Monlux signs Centralia catcher Knutz

Bruin head baseball coach Duane Monlux announced today the signing of Centralia College catcher Ryan Knutz (Rochester, Wash.) to a letter of intent to attend Bellevue University and continue his academic and athletic careers beginning in the fall of 2011. 

Knutz was a two-time all-Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC) catcher while leading the 2011 Trailblazers with a .348 batting average 12 doubles, two home runs and 38 RBIs. He was also a two-time first team NWAACC West Region catcher and a 2011 West Region Gold Glove recipient.  

“Ryan is a huge signing for us," stated Monlux. "He is an impact catcher both defensively and offensively. He has had two very good seasons for Centralia College. The NWAACC is a very good baseball league and to get a caliber of player like Ryan is great for our program. We expect big things from him in a Bruin uniform,” added Monlux.

A 2008 graduate of Rochester High School, Knutz was named the Washington Class 1A Player of the Year, while earning first team all-league honors in 2006, 2007, and 2008. He also earned first team all-state honors in 2008 and was a second team all-state selection in 2006 and 2007.

The 2011 Bruins finished the season with a 31-22 overall record, advancing to the NAIA National Championship Opening Round after winning the 2011 MCAC Tournament title.