CSUN University News Clippings

Fredrickson picks CSUN: West Ranch pitcher will stay close to home

(June 23, 2009)

By Kevin Damore
Signal Staff Writer
kdamore@the-signal.com
661-259-1234 x535
Posted: June 9, 2009  9:35 p.m.
POSTED  June 10, 2009 4:55 a.m.

At a time when most teenagers are either working a summer job or relaxing by a pool, Trevor Fredrickson made a career move.

A West Ranch graduate and left-handed pitcher, Fredrickson committed to Cal-State Northridge Tuesday, adding his name to the lengthy list of Wildcats that will be playing at the collegiate level next year.

First baseman Jake Bernards was the first to sign, deciding to leave the diamond for the football field and accepting a full ride to San Diego State as a quarterback.

“We had a really talented senior class,” said West Ranch head coach Casey Burrill. “There is a very real chance that all six of our players who graduated will play at the collegiate level.”

Along with Fredrickson, Cal Vogelsang is set to play at UC-Irvine, Casey Watkins is headed to Sonoma State and Mitch Thompson plans to take the field for Chris Cota at College of the Canyons.

Catcher Max Blaha is yet to decide whether he is going to play baseball next year, but NCAA Division III Chapman University has shown interest if he plans to continue his athletic career in college.

For Fredrickson, CSUN offers him a chance to play close to home and a solid opportunity to get some time on the mound right away.

“They aren’t bringing back any left-handers from this year’s team so the coaches told me I would have my chances to earn playing time,” Fredrickson said. “It’s also a big bonus to be so close to home. I’m going to be able to live at home and just drive to school.”

Fredrickson put up some gaudy numbers for West Ranch in 2008. The lefty went 9-4 with 1.10 ERA in 70 innings.

He earned first team honors on the All-Foothill League team.

“The thing that struck me the most about Trevor this year is that he really dedicated himself to being a pitcher,” Burrill said. “In the past he just kind of threw to throw, but he learned to trust his defense and really work a game.”

Fredrickson’s maturity helped lead the Wildcats to their best finish in school history, placing second in the Foothill League with an 11-4 mark.

He also tallied a complete game victory in the first round of the CIF-Southern Section Division I playoffs as West Ranch dropped El Dorado 6-2 at home.

“I’m really excited to get to move forward,” Fredrickson said. “I know that I’m going to be in a hard-working environment, which is what I need right now. I’m hoping to be able to pitch my way into being a starter for the team.”

Burrill also sees CSUN, a member of the Big West Conference, as a great fit for Fredrickson, especially if he can continue to build strength and stamina.

“Trevor has never been a big weight-room guy or someone who spends a ton of time playing long toss,” Burrill said. “If he can get to the point where he is strong enough to add a few miles per hour to his fastball he will be really hard to hit because his changeup and curve are already so strong.

“Northridge will be a good spot for Trevor,” Burrill added. “I know he is ready to take the opportunity to play for a team at the level Northridge is at so it’s great for him to be headed where he is going.”

kdamore@the-signal.com

Publication: The Signal