WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - Monmouth University head baseball coach Dean Ehehalt announced the signing of seven student-athletes, including two from Toms River South High School, who will compete for the Hawks in 2012.  Joining the Hawks' program are Kyle Perry (Toms River, N.J./Toms River South) and Chris McKenna (Pine Beach, N.J./Toms River) from Toms River South, as well as New Jersey natives Matt Reynolds (Hackettstown, N.J./Hackettstown), Steve Wilgus (Woolwich Township, N.J./Gloucester Catholic), T.J. Hunt (Franklin Lakes, N.J./Ramapo), and Joey Bamford (Warren Hills, N.J./ Warren Hills [Northamtpon Community College]), in addition to Reid Van Woert (Johnson City, N.Y./Maine-Endwell) from New York.

"I am very pleased about our signing class," said Ehehalt, who enters his 18th season at Monmouth this spring.  "I really feel we have addressed specific needs and I am very impressed with the make-up of the signees as they all have unbelievable character."

Perry, a 5-10 catcher, posted a .485 average, with 10 doubles, 33 runs and 23 stolen bases last season.  An honor-roll student, Perry was a First-Team All-Shore Conference and First-Team All-A South Coaches Team selection in 2010.  The local product is a two-time Jersey Shore Carpenter Cup Team selection.

"Kyle is an old style, grind it out type player," said Ehehalt.   "He is mainly a catcher but is versatile enough to play several positions and he will be counted on be an offensive catalyst for us."

McKenna joins battery-mate Perry, who helped guide Toms River South High School to an overall record of 26-4 a season ago, leading the Indians to "A" South, Ocean County and Shore Conference Champions.  McKenna will be heavily relied on this season and look to contribute as solid two-way performer for the Indians.

"Chris is an explosive athlete," commented Ehehalt.  "An outfielder and a pitcher in high school, he has a very bright future on the mound for us.  He is really starting to come into his own on the mound and has the ability to be a power pitcher immediately."

Reynolds posted an overall record of 13-1 in two years pitching for Hackettstown High School, striking out 95 batters in 90 innings of work.  Reynolds was tabbed to the All-State Group II Team along with being selected to the All-Warren County squad.

"Matt is a pitcher with a very impressive arsenal of pitches," Ehehalt explained.  "He has a high ¾ delivery and also throws a nice slider.  He will be a great addition to our staff."

A 5-9 outfielder, Wilgus was named to the All-Non Public Team after batting .380 with 33 hits, eight doubles, and four triples in his junior season.  Wilgus lead Gloucester Catholic, which was ranked 24th in the country, to a state championship last season.

"Steve is a left-handed hitting outfielder that has shown he can really be an offensive force both with the bat and on the bases," said Ehehalt.  "He comes from a great high school and American Legion program and has a tremendous baseball IQ which gives him the ability to be a difference-maker."

Hunt, a right-handed pitcher, is a three-year varsity player for Ramapo High School, registering a 6-2 record and three saves.

"TJ is a pitcher with a great upside," said Ehehalt.  "He has the makings of a very good pitcher; his velocity has continued to increase and he has shown the ability to throw a very good slider as well.  I really feel he will develop nicely and be a great addition to our staff."

Bamford, a 6-3 outfielder from Northampton Community College, helped lead the squad to the first ever Final Four in team history last year.  The Second-Team All-Region selection, Bamford led the Spartans with a .500 batting average in 35 games played. 

"Joey is a guy that has had great success at Northampton as well as in the ACBL," commented Ehehalt.  "He is a solid left-handed bat and his offensive ability will be an asset to our lineup."

The final signee, Van Woert, a 6-2 righty, was 5-0 in 2010 with a 1.81 ERA in 31 innings of work, including a victory in the Sectional IV Championship game.  The Maine-Endwell High School product was named to the STAC All-Division squad along with being named a Perfect Game Mid-Atlantic Top Prospect.

"Reid is the epitome of a complete pitcher," said Ehehalt.  "He throws three pitches for strikes and has the ability to locate his pitches.  Reid should come in and be in the mix from day one."

Ehehalt and the Hawks open their 2010 season at Virginia Commonwealth on February 25, 2011.