EDINBURG, Texas – University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) head baseball coach Manny Mantrana today announced the signing of six student-athletes to National Letters of Intent (NLI).
Joining the Broncs this season are: Preston Budziszewski, Derek Hagy, Bryan Maxwell, Travis Neslony, Will Klausing, and Chris Torres.
Preston Budziszewski
Budziszewski joins the Broncs from Galveston College under head coach Gary Key. The 6'4 RHP is originally from Moody, Texas, where played under Coach C.J. Wilk at Moody High School. He is the son of Jim and Becky Budziszewski.
“Preston is a right handed pitcher from Galveston College that we are very happy to have join the Broncs pitching staff. Preston has the ability to be a stopper out of the bullpen and close out games for us as well as fill a roll as a spot starter. His side arm delivery along with his velocity and movement make things difficult on hitters,” Mantrana said.
Derek Hagy
Hagy comes to UTPA from Laredo Community College, where the 5'10 second baseman played under Coach Eric Gonzalez. He is originally from Corpus Christi, Texas and attended Calallen High School, where he played under Coach Steve Chapman. Hagy is the son of Alan and Joy Hagy.
“Derek is a player that we look to put into the top of our lineup because of his ability to swing the bat. He has a smooth quick left handed stroke that produces line drives from gap to gap. He is a very athletic player who runs well and defends up the middle. His offensive ability, along with his speed, and glove make him a great addition to the ball club,” Mantrana said.
Bryan Maxwell
Maxwell is a 6'2 RHP, who last played for Bakersfield College under coach Tim Painton. Maxwell is originally from Bakersfield, Calif., where he played for Centennial High School under coach Randy Roberts. Maxwell is the son of Marty and Jeanne Maxwell.
“Bryan is a right handed pitcher from Bakersfield College that we expect big things from in the near future. He has the velocity, the ability to locate, and the movement needed to be a front line guy for the Broncs. He is a very smart pitcher who can dissect an opposing lineup and has proven that at every level he has been at. We are very happy to add Bryan to the pitching staff,” Mantrana said.
Will Klausing
Klausing comes to UTPA from North Central Texas College where he played under Coach Scott Harp. The 6'0 Outfielder/LHP graduated from Denton Ryan High School in Denton, Texas. At Denton Ryan, Klausing was coached by Bret Warnack and assistant coach Kris Slivocka, who is a former Bronc. Klausing is the son of Leslie Klausing.
“Will is a left handed hitting outfielder from North Central Texas College who can also play first base as well as pitch. Will has the ability to hit in the middle of the lineup and will add a lot of pop on the offensive side by being a run producer. His versatility defensively is a great asset to the ball club and will give us more options on game day. Will's all around ability will be a big boost to the Broncs lineup every game,” Mantrana said.
Travis Neslony
Neslony joins the Broncs as a 6'2 RHP out of Laredo Community College, where he played under Coach Eric Gonzalez. He is originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, where he graduated from Calallen High School and played under Coach Steve Chapman. Neslony is the son of Lawrence and Robbie Sue Neslony.
“Travis is a pitcher with a very gifted arm who will only get better when he arrives on campus. He has the ability to sit in the low 90's and run it up into the mid 90's. He also features a hard breaking ball and a power change up that he uses to put away hitters. The coaching staff loves his competitiveness and his drive to always improve himself. He is a great addition to the Broncs pitching staff,” Mantrana said.
Chris Torres
Torres is a 5'11 catcher, who joins UTPA from Clarendon College, where he played under Coach Mike Silva. Torres is a graduate of Miami Christian School in Miami, Fla., where he played under Coaches Armando Rodriguez and Ralph Suarez. He is the son of Alba and Ovi Torres.
“Chris is a left handed hitting catcher from Clarendon College. Chris has the rare ability to handle the rigors of catching everyday while still being able to be a force offensively. Defensively Chris is a very athletic catcher with a very strong arm who can handle a pitching staff. Offensively Chris's quick left handed stroke will add a lot of pop to the lineup as we look for him to drive in runs throughout his career,” Mantrana said.
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