Gorloks Ranked 9th Nationally in Division III Pre-Season Poll

ST. LOUIS - The Webster University baseball team is ranked 9th in the annual NCAA Division III pre-season poll taken by Collegiate Baseball News. The Gorloks, who ranked 9th in last season's final poll,
finished 5th in the 2012 NCAA Division III World Series.

Webster was 36-14 in 2012, setting a school record for wins in a season. The Gorloks graduate Rawlings/ABCA All-American pitcher David Mueller (Westminster Academy) and St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year, first baseman Tom Henke (Lindbergh HS), but return a solid core for 2013. Six offensive starters are back, including two 2012 NCAA All-Tournament Team members, shortstop Taylor Stoulp (St. Mary's HS) and Kevin Kojs (Lincoln Way Central HS, IL). The Gorloks also return three of four starting pitchers, including SLIAC Newcomer of the Year Isaac Behme (Harrisburg HS, IL). Webster will have a stable of arms to work with, as three starters who sat out the 2012 season due to injuries, are expected to contribute in 2013.

Collegiate Baseball Newspaper's NCAA Div. III Pre-Season Poll (As of Dec. 20, 2012)
Rank/School Name -- '12 Final Record -- Point Totals

1. Wheaton, MA -- 41-11 -- 269
2. St. Thomas, MN -- 41-10 -- 267
3. SUNY-Cortland, NY -- 41-9-1 -- 263
4. Birmingham Southern, AL -- 38-9 -- 262
5. Marietta, OH -- 48-8 -- 259
6. Christopher Newport, VA -- 34-10 -- 255
7. Kean, NJ -- 37-12 -- 252
8. Whitworth, WA -- 31-16-1 -- 248
9. Webster, MO -- 36-14 -- 246
10. Trinity, TX -- 37-12 -- 243

The Gorloks will face three of the top five ranked teams in the poll, including #1 ranked Wheaton College (MA), in the Russ Matt Central Florida Invitational in Orlando, FL., in March.\

Courtesy Webster University sports information