RICHMOND, Ky. - Eastern Kentucky University baseball coach Jim Ward has announced the signing of Josh Thomas, who at various times in his high school career played third base, catcher and pitcher for Beavercreek (Ohio) High School.

Thomas, 5-10, 165, was an All-Western Ohio League choice at third base as he hit .398 with two home runs, 16 runs batted in and 16 stolen bases in 1998. As a pitcher, he compiled a 4-2 record with a 2.44 earned run average and recorded 33 strikeouts in 33 and one-third innings of work for coach Rick Wolf's BHS team.

"Josh possesses the type of skills we look for in our recruits," said Ward. "He is a good runner, has good arm strength and a great competitive attitude. He is very versatile and can play several positions. We need to decide where he fits best with our team. We believe Josh will be a quality college player."

Thomas also played three years of varsity football at Beavercreek High where he was an All-WOL selection this past year while playing defensive back, wide receiver and returning punts and kickoffs. He broke two school records in football in 1997, including most TD receptions in a single season (7) and longest TD reception (81 yards).

He also led the area schools in average yards per catch (33.3) and he paced the WOL in kickoff returns with his 17.5 average.

The son of Linda and Rick Thomas of Beavercreek, Josh was a member of the National Honor Society and accumulated a 3.8 grade point average in high school.

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