By Chris Valentine
PBR Ohio Scouting Director

Only three years removed from a Division III state championship title, Canton Central Catholic is looking to get back to Columbus.

“We never rebuild,” said legendary Head Coach Doug Miller.

Last year was the first time in the last 18 years that Canton Central Catholic did not make a district title game.

This year, Coach Miller plans to start a new steak.

“I will say that we will be competitive and playing teams like St. Edward, St. Ignatius, Perry, Massillon, and Berlin Hiland will make us a dangerous come tournament time.”

This year’s squad features four returning starters as well as three pitchers from the rotation. The lineup is headline by senior outfielder Jake Krupar, who is headed to the University of Toledo as well as under-the-radar senior Gunnar Smeyers and junior Shawn Jones, who is coming off ACL surgery. And, keep an eye out for freshman pitcher Jake Vance, who showed off an 81-84 mph fastball and advanced off-speed pitches at a PBR winter workout.

Class of 2013

• OF, Jake Krupar – The Toledo recruit, who has started since his freshman year, is coming off a down year in which he hit .333 with 11 doubles, four triples, and 23 RBI. The talented left-handed hitter has one of the top power bats in the state.
• P/IF/C, Gunnar Smeyers – The versatile prospect is being recruited by several Division II programs. Last year, he hit .386 with 25 RBI while going 3-2 on the mound with a 3.00 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 42 innings of work.
• SS, Steven Montgomery – Started at shortstop last year while hitting .263.

Class of 2014

• IF/RHP, Shawn Jones – The talented junior will be coming off ACL surgery from football season. Last year, he hit .461 with 30 runs scored and 17 RBI. On the mound, he went 2-2 with a 3.37 ERA.

Class of 2015

• IF, Drew Savage

Class of 2016

• RHP/IF, Jake Vance – One of the state’s top freshman with advanced stuff on the mound for his age.
• IF, Jacob Paul
• OF, JC Colangelo