Dec. 3, 2009

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook University head baseball coach Matt Senk announced today that five student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to play baseball for Stony Brook beginning in 2011. The five player class is made up of Bryan Tatelman (South Windsor, Conn.), Kevin Courtney (Lindenhurst, N.Y.), Frankie Vanderka (Levittown, N.Y.) , Josh Mason (Woodland Hills, Calif.) and Mike Hubbard (Northridge, Calif.).

A 6-1, 180 pound shortstop, Tatelman was a three-year letterwinner at South Windsor High School in South Windsor, Conn. An all-conference selection in both his junior and senior years, he hit .487 and led South Windsor to the Class LL State Semifinals as a senior and also earned a spot on the 2009 All-Hartford Courant High School Baseball Team. A member of Team Connecticut Baseball and graduate of SWHS in 2009, Tatelman is currently playing for head coach Robert Dowling at Avon Old Farms in Avon, Conn.

"Bryan possesses so many skills. He has tremendous arm strength, sure hands, and above average athleticism," Senk said. "He will give us considerable versatility in the infield for years to come."

A three year letterwinner and two-way standout, Courtney is a two-time captain for head coach John Habyan at St. John the Baptist in West Islip, N.Y. The Long Island Catholic League MVP in 2009, Courtney led St. John to the regular season conference championship and finished with a 6-1 record and a 1.14 ERA on the mound in addition to hitting .515 at the plate. As a sophomore in 2008, the 6-1, 195-pound Courtney led his team to the Catholic League Championship, boasting an undefeated 10-0 record and winning the deciding third game of the Championship series.

"Kevin will help us fill some immediate needs; he is an outstanding left-handed hitting first-baseman with power and is also a terrific fielder," Senk said. "On the mound, he has a quality left-handed arm, of which you can never have enough."

A three year letterwinner for head coach Steve Costello at MacArthur High School in Levittown, N.Y., Vanderka is a right-handed pitcher that was an all-county and all-state selection as junior in addition to being named the conference MVP. An all-league pick as a sophomore, the 6-1, 185 pound Vanderka is a three year member of the MacArthur honor roll. He has also earned the Teacher's Choice and Class Leadership Award and been named to the National Society of High School Scholars.

"Frankie is the prototypical Stony Brook right-handed pitcher," Senk said. "Along with his projectable body type, he has an above average fastball and a hard plus breaking ball that will help us win on a consistent level. We expect great things from him."

A two year letterwinner and starting centerfielder for head coach Scott Muckey at Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, Calif., Mason helped lead his team to the 2009 CIF Division II State Championship, hitting .349 with 30 RBI and four home runs including one in the state finals in Anaheim Stadium. He was honored as a California Area Code Games selection, playing for the Brewers Grey team as well as the SoCal Reds scout team. Mason has also been named to Crespi's honor roll and dean's list three times.

"Josh brings so many attributes to the table," Senk said. "Size, athleticism, speed, arm strength, and academics. Josh is as complete a student-athlete as you're going to find anywhere. An impact player undoubtedly."

A four year starter in the outfield for Muckey at Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, Calif., Hubbard has been an instrumental part of a Crespi squad that has won Mission League titles over the past three years in addition to winning the 2009 CIF Division II State Championship. Hubbard is a career .460 hitter in the playoffs and was an All-Mission League team selection as a junior, when he batted .338 with two home runs and 16 RBI in addition to being named Crespi's Gold Glove Award winner. He also played for the highly selective San Gabriel Valley Arsenal, a top-five nationally ranked U-18 club team based in West Covina, Ca. "Mike is another outstanding athlete, highlighted by his foot and bat speed," Senk said. "He also has great instincts and his mental makeup is off the charts. Simply, Mike is a gamer."