IUP Baseball Program Signs Pitcher Craig Hibell to National Letter of Intent

IUP head baseball coach Jeff Ditch has announced that the Crimson Hawks have signed Craig Hibell to a National Letter of Intent to enroll at IUP in the fall of 2008.  Hibell is a senior righthanded pitcher from Redbank Valley High School in New Bethlehem, Pa.

“Craig is a pitcher who will make our staff better upon his arrival.  We will graduate a lot of innings this spring with Dan Snyder, Chris Twigg and Eugene Offerman graduating, and Craig has the ability to help on the mound very early in his career,” said Ditch.  “He is a quality person and comes from a great family.  I am very proud to have him join our program.”

The 6-2, 185-pound Hibell is the son of Clinton and Barb Hibell and plans to study physical education at IUP.  He is coached by Steve Smith at Redbank Valley High School and New Bethlehem American Legion Post 354.

“I really liked my visit to IUP and it is the best fit for me. I wanted to stay close to home so my parents could watch my games and I wanted to be on a team where I can get better as a baseball player,” said Hibell on why he chose to attend IUP.

“The players I talked to from IUP seemed to really like it, and I couldn't find a negative aspect anywhere. I think I made the right choice to sign with IUP, and I hope my experiences will help me become a better baseball player, student and person.”

The highlight of Hibell’s success on the field include pitching in the Pennsylvania American Legion East-West All Star game this past summer and currently holding Redbank Valley’s career strikeout record heading into his senior season.

“Craig has three plus pitches for strikes,” added Ditch.  “I have seen him hit 86 with his fastball, and he has a very hard sharp breaking pitch and effective change.  His athletic ability projects him even more on the mound and maybe help us with his bat as well.

“As I have said before, we are excited now to think about the future due to our current players and their commitment to IUP and our team.  We will continue to recruit the class of 2008 for the April signing period,” said Ditch.  “I know IUP offers a great experience for student-athletes in addition to the PSAC being a very high level Division II baseball conference.”