ST. MARYS, W.Va. -Dylan Brizendine knew from the first time he stepped on a baseball diamond that he wanted to continue playing the game when he went off to college.
The former-St. Marys standout will get that opportunity this fall as part of Bob Crawford's newest recruiting class at Ohio Valley University.
"It (OVU) is a good fit for me," Brizendine explained. "From the coaches to the players to the campus, I really liked everything I saw at the school."
Brizendine will join a Fighting Scots team that posted an overall 16-26 mark and finished with an 11-18 record in the West Virginia Conference.
"I've attend several games and the level of play in the WVIAC is very good," continued the player. "Coach Crawford seems to think that I have the ability to step in and see some playing time next year."
A first-team (Class A) all state selection as in infielder, Brizendine led the Blue Devils to the regional semifinals where they lost to Gilmer County. Brizendine led St. Marys offensively with a .447 batting average and 28 runs-batted-in while hitting in the leadoff position.
On the mound the multi-sport athlete struckout 30 batters in 21-2/3 innings of work as St. Marys finished with a 17-12 mark.
But it was his work in the infield that garnered the eyes of OVU's Crawford.
"Right now, he (Crawford) thinks that I will see my most playing time at third or shortstop," said Brizendine.
"He didn't say that I wouldn't pitch, but he believes I can help them most in the field."
An infield that returns leading hitter Joseph Hallinan (.362) as well as Michael Shepherd (.320), Tyler Wharton (.297), and Ryan Thomas (.269). "They have some very good players returning so I will have my work cut out for me," continued the player. "But, if I work hard I have a chance to play."
OVU wasn't the only team looking at gaining the services of the all-Little Kanawha Conference standout as Brizendine received strong offers from West Liberty, West Virginia State and Glenville State.
