Sinclair Community College resembles a revolving door when it comes to athletes. Being a junior college, athletes often spend no more than two years wearing Sinclair colors.
While the Tartan Pride sports loses a chunk of its student athletes, a new flux of players look to make an impact next season. The Clarion takes a look at some of the potential arrivals and departures for Sinclair athletics.
Men’s basketball
Sinclair men’s basketball coach Jeff Price announced last week the signing of Centerville High School point guard Patrick Crawford.
Crawford starred for the Elks over the past few seasons averaging 10 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists during his senior season. Crawford moves from a slow, structured offense at Centerville to an up-tempo scheme in place at Sinclair.
Price said he began following Crawford toward the end of his sophomore season and saw his skills adapt to a quicker pace in AAU summer leagues.
“I think he’s going to fit in real well,” Price said. “(Crawford) was pushing the ball really good (in AAU) and he was making good decisions. Pat really controls the game offensively and defensively. We feel confident that no matter what we ask him to do he has the tools to get things done.”
Price also announced the signing of Toledo Scott forward Austen Alabata, Cincinnati Princeton swingman Darrien Wilkins and Lebanon guard Blake Davenport. Davenport earned All-Greater Western Ohio Conference honors during his junior and senior seasons.
Price said he expects only forward Colton Everett to return from a team that won 20 games for the fourth consecutive season. Guard Charles Winkfield and forward Mike Anderson are expected to contribute after redshirting the 2009-10 season.
Women’s basketball
After finishing with a 19-10 record in 2009-10, Lady Pride coach Jeff Dillon expects six players to return. Dillon said his top-four offseason recruits ended up signing with Sinclair.
“We’re really happy with the kids we’ve gotten to this point,” Dillon said.
Dillon said guards Shelby Pettit and Haleigh Hickenbottom will help bring experience to next season’s roster that lost five key players. Guards Jana Gross and Chelcie Gullett, along with forwards Jessica Pierre and Jessica Myers are not returning, according to Dillon. Dillon said forward Emily Frey is “probably heading off.”
Dillon said the recruiting class for next season is very strong and is filled with girls from the Dayton area. Due to NJCAA rules, Dillon could not comment directly on recruits.
“It’s a class with strong guards and post players,” he said. “We really tried to focus on getting depth in the post.”
Men’s baseball
The Sinclair Tartan Pride baseball team is set to see a handful of important pieces move on to four-year schools. Because baseball is held in the spring, the team doesn’t announce signings until the summer.
Six players are moving to universities in the fall: catcher Justin Marrero and pitcher Zach Botjer to Ashland University, pitcher Erik Lamka to Old Dominican University, pitchers Justin Schultheiss and Chuck Calhoun to Northern Kentucky University and outfielder Zach Stewart to the University of Dayton.
After falling in the NJCAA Region 12 Tournament, Sinclair coach Steve Dintaman began hitting the recruiting trails last week. Dintaman said that recruiting doesn’t stop at any point during the year.
“We’re still looking for players as we speak,” he said.
Dintaman said his recruiting class is fairly strong up to this point.
“Our success has helped a lot and our facilities are second to none,” Dintaman said.