June 10, 2009

KENNESAW, Ga. - The first two days of the 2009 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft were amazing for the Kennesaw State baseball program as a five current Owls and a pair of KSU signees were selected through the first 30 rounds which concluded Wednesday evening.

Chad Jenkins was a first round pick and the 20th selection overall when he was taken by the Toronto Blue Jays while right-hander Kyle Heckathorn was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers as the 47th overall pick.

Kennesaw State commitments, Zach Wheeler and Telvin Nash were also first day picks as the Kennesaw State name was a constant on the draft board as the league went through its first three rounds of the three-day draft event.

Wheeler, a right-handed pitcher from East Paulding High School, committed to Kennesaw State last year and was taken with the sixth pick of the first round by the San Francisco Giants.

Nash, a right-handed hitting, left fielder from Griffin High School, also committed to the Owls last year. The 100th overall pick, the Houston Astros selected Nash in the third round.

"We are extremely pleased for both Zach and Telvin and their families," said Kennesaw State head coach Mike Sansing. "Both young men are members of the Kennesaw State family and we are proud to support them any way we can. I know each young man and their talents, character and commitment to the game will make them fine professionals."

The Owls are in elite company after the first day of the draft as Kennesaw State is one of only five teams to have multiple players selected in the first round and the supplemental round of the First Year Player Draft.

Indiana had three players selected while the Owls, North Carolina, Southern California and Boston College each had two players selected.

Wednesday saw the trend continue for Kennesaw State as Jace Whitmer, Kenny Faulk, and Justin Edwards were all selected by MLB teams.

The draft will conclude Thursday with rounds 31-50. Coverage of the Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft is available at www.mlb.com.