Stone Bridge senior Johnny Bladel, one of the key cogs in the Bulldogs' 2008 Liberty District Championship run, signed his letter of intent on Monday to play Division I baseball at James Madison University.

The signing ceremony was held in the high school library and was attended by family members, classmates and the Stone Bridge baseball team.

Last season, Bladel was Coach Sam Plank's best hitter and a sound defensive outfielder. As a junior he led the team in 10 offensive categories including hits (33), triples (2), runs (22), total bases (52), batting average with runners in scoring position (.517), slugging percentage (.743), on-base percentage (.582) and RBI's (27). Bladel's .471 average and RBI total both set new school records.

Bladel and the Bulldogs will be looking to retain their district title in 2009, but first the senior wide receiver hopes to help the Bulldogs' football team to a second straight state championship.

Bladel (seated) pictured with family members and coaches. (Photo courtesy of Bob Bladel)

Bladel's honors from his 2008 junior season included:

Valley's Walker Commits to Niagara

Loudoun Valley senior catcher Wes Walker officially signed his National Letter of Intent on Tuesday to play NCAA Division I baseball next year for the Niagara University Purple Eagles in New York. Walker who received an athletic and merit scholarship has been on the varsity squad since his sophomore year. During his sophomore season he hit the game winning RBI double in extra innings helping the Vikings win the 2007 National District championship.

Walker (seated center) pictured with teammates. (Photo courtesy of Sonny Cachuela)

As a junior, Walker was selected to the 2nd Team AAA All Cedar Run District as a catcher, was named team captain by Loudoun Valley head baseball coach Wayne Todd, and was the recipient of the 2008 Coach's Award.

At Niagara, Walker will play for head baseball coach Chris Chernisky (Coach Ski). Niagara University is a member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MACC) that includes schools such Marist, Siena, Rider, and Manhattan to name a few.

Walker's signing ceremony was held in the Library at Loudoun Valley High School. His parents, head baseball coach Wayne Todd, and several of his baseball teammates were in attendance.