May 30, 2008

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - In efforts to reinforce its pitching staff for the 2009 season, the University of Memphis baseball program has signed Northwest Mississippi Community College ace Josh Ross, Tiger Head Coach Daron Schoenrock announced today.

"We have enjoyed following Josh's progress at Northwest over the past two seasons," said Schoenrock. "His ability on the mound will help the 2009 squad tremendously. We look forward to seeing him continue his career on our pitching staff."

Ross will come to the Tigers after a pair of impressive seasons for Head Coach Mark Carson at Northwest Mississippi Community College. In two years, the right-hander started in 19 of the 22 games he pitched in and logged a 10-4 record. In addition, he fanned 102 batters in 98 innings. He finished his juco career with a 3.79 ERA.

The ace of the Rangers' staff in the 2008 campaign, Ross's two-year stint at NWCC was highlighted by a sophomore season in which he hauled in Second Team MACJC All-State honors. In nine starts, Ross led the Northwest pitching staff with a 5-1 record and 48 strikeouts in 47.1 innings. He recorded a 4.14 ERA en route to being tabbed the team's best pitcher. He allowed 28 earned runs and held opponents to a .293 batting average. The Southaven, Miss., native won both of his first two starts in 2008, one of which was an 11-strikeouts performance in an 8-2 win over John Wood CC. NWCC finished the 2008 season 26-16-1.

As a freshman, Ross helped guide the Rangers to a 40-17 finish that included a 2007 Region XXIII Championship, a Southeast District title, a MACJC North Division crown and a fourth-place finish at the NJCAA World Series. Ross went 5-3 with a 3.45 ERA in 12 appearances. He made10 starts and struck out 54 batters in 50.2 innings.

A high school teammate of current Tigers pitcher Brach Davis, Ross graduated from Southaven High School in 2006. There he was a four-year letterwinner for Head Coach Ed Rich on the mound, at shortstop and second base. As a senior, he went 7-4 on the mound to help SHS to a 20-9 finish. He earned All-State accolades after putting up a strong 1.76 ERA with 106 strikeouts in 72 innings of work.