Haeger Inks a Pair of Prep Standouts for 2008
Dominic Benavides and
Nicholas Plinka become first signees of the summer
June
19, 2007
LIVONIA,
Mich.
–
Madonna University head baseball coach Greg Haeger
has announced the signing of two local high school standouts for the 2008
season.
Joining the Crusaders baseball team will be Dominic
Benavides (Northville, Mich./Northville HS) and
Nicholas Plinka (Livonia, Mich./Stevenson
HS).
Benavides, who can play several of the infield positions, is a three-year
varsity letterwinner at Northville High School. During his tenure as a
prep, he was twice named all-division along with all-conference and all-district
honors during his final season.
As a senior, Benavides hit .360 while leading his squad to a 25-5 overall
record. He was also tabbed as the Best Defensive Player on his team.
"Dominic is coming to MU after a successful season at Northville," Haeger said.
"He is a very instinctive infielder with soft hands and a great feel for the
game. He will compete for one of the vacant spots on the left side of the
infield next season."
Benavides is the son of Dave and Julie Benavides. His mother, Julie,
graduated from Madonna University.
Benavides plans on enrolling in the biology and pharmacy programs in the
upcoming fall semester at Madonna.
Plinka, who is a third baseman, is a two-year varsity letterwinner at Stevenson
High School. Following his senior year, he was named to the WLAA All-Lakes
Division team as an infielder and also garnered all-district honors.
"Nick comes from a quality high school baseball program," Haeger said. "He
possesses a strong arm and nice hands defensively. We hope to develop him
into a future contributor for our program."
Plinka, is the son of Daniel and Heather Plinka. He plans on studying fire
science at Madonna beginning in the fall of 2007.
Madonna completed the 2007 season with a 34-20 overall record and a runner-up
finish in the NAIA Region VIII Tournament.
Contact:
Tony Baldwin, Sports Information Director
(734) 432-5834
tbaldwin@madonna.edu
