University of St. Thomas Athletics
Photo by: Sam Navarro
Chris Olean announces 10 signees following National Signing Day
11/10/2022 10:02:00 AM | Baseball
St. Paul, Minn. -- St. Thomas Baseball Head Coach Chris Olean announced the addition of 10 newcomers as part of 2023 National Signing Day.
This year's signing class is comprised of five student-athletes from Minnesota, two from Colorado, two from Wisconsin and one from Illinois. The squad includes four infielders, three pitchers, two catchers and one outfielder.
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. B/T Hometown High School
Owen Bond OF 6-3 205 L/L Pewaukee, Wis. Kettle-Moraine
Ezra Formaneck RHP 6-0 180 R/R Apple Valley, Minn. Eastview
Marcus Kruzan RHP 6-2 190 R/R Highbridge, Wis. Ashland
Sean Marlow C/UTIL 5-8 160 R/R Highlands Ranch, Colo. Mountain Vista
Matthew Maulik INF 5-11 170 L/R St. Michael, Minn. St. Michael-Albertville
Nolan Phillips RHP 5-7 165 R/R Colorado Springs, Colo. Palmer Ridge
Adam Puder INF 6-3 195 R/R Blaine, Minn. Blaine
Tanner Recchio INF 5-7 155 L/R Lakeville, Minn. Lakeville North
Ben Trucke INF/C 6-0 210 R/R Watertown, Minn. Watertown-Mayer
Zan von Schlegell INF 5-10 180 R/R Downers Grove, Ill. Saint Viator
Owen Bond (6-3, 205, OF, L/L, Pewaukee, Wis./Kettle-Moraine High School)
High School
A letter winner in baseball at Kettle-Moraine High School under head coach James Wolbert… the number nine ranked outfielder in Wisconsin according to Prep Baseball Report… helped KMHS to regional championship in 2022… a member of the high honor roll freshman through junior years.
Personal
Son of Travis and Michelle Bond… two siblings, Lola and Oscar… plans to major in business administration with an emphasis in financial management.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Owen is high upside outfielder from Kettle Moraine High School in Wisconsin. Owen has a fantastic left-handed swing and is in the zone for a long time! He has gap-to-gap power and is a 6.7 runner that knows how to use his speed. As he gains strength, Owen will be a middle of the order type bat. Owen is a great student and a high-character person who will be a perfect fit for our team's culture."
Ezra Formaneck (6-0, 180, RHP, R/R, Apple Valley, Minn./Eastview High School)
High School
A letter winner in baseball at Eastview High School under coaches Pat Strey and Tom Strey… the 11th ranked right-handed pitcher in Minnesota according to Prep Baseball Report… named the EHS Pitcher of the Year and Rookie of the Year… a two-time All-South Suburban Conference selection… recorded the lowest ERA in Minnesota as a sophomore.
Personal
Son of Greg and Angie Formaneck… two siblings, Payton and Brendan… undecided on a major.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Ezra is an athletic right-handed pitcher from Eastview High School in Minnesota. Ezra is a multisport athlete who has elite level hand speed and arm talent. A strike thrower who has already reached the low 90s, Ezra is just getting started! Ezra throws his best in big spots and has thrived as a closer throughout his high school career. Ezra is natural leader and another strong student that will be huge addition to our pitching staff."
Marcus Kruzan (6-2, 190, RHP, R/R, Highbridge, Wis./Ashland High School)
High School
A letter winner in baseball at Ashland High School under coaches Chris Kempf and Travis Larson… an All-Heart O' North Conference First Team selection… recorded 90 strikeouts with a 0.53 ERA as a junior… also a letter winner in football… selected to all-conference team… a member of the honor roll.
Personal
Son of Phil and Kris Kruzan… two siblings, Baily and Karly… undecided on a major.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Marcus is an athletic right-handed pitcher from Ashland High School in Wisconsin. Marcus is another multisport athlete who is just starting to reach his potential. On the mound he already touches the low 90s and profiles as mid 90s type arm as he continues to develop and gain strength. Another strike thrower with a sharp breaking ball, Marcus profiles as a front of the rotation type arm. Marcus is a strong student and a quiet leader."
Sean Marlow (5-8, 160, C/UTIL, R/R, Highlands Ranch, Colo./Mountain Vista High School)
High School
A letter winner in baseball at Mountain Vista High School under head coach Ronald Quintana… the number six ranked catcher in Colorado according to Prep Baseball Report… named to the All-Continental League Second Team… selected academic all-conference first team… a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.
Personal
Son of Craig and Kim Marlow… one sibling, Amanda… plans to major in computer science.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Sean is an athletic shut down defensive catcher from Mountain Vista High School in Colorado. Sean can really run and he consistently finds barrels and makes hard contact at the plate. He gives us an elite level athlete catch and throw option at one of the most important positions on the field. Sean is a fantastic student and will fit our team culture perfectly!"
Matthew Maulik (5-11, 170, INF, L/R, St. Michael, Minn./St. Michael-Albertville High School)
High School
A letter winner in baseball at St. Michael-Albertville High School under head coach Paul Schumm… the fourth ranked shortstop in Minnesota according to Prep Baseball Report… named SMAHS Rookie of the Year as a sophomore and Co-Defensive Player of the Year as a junior.
Personal
Son of Josh and Stacie Maulik… two siblings, Dylan and Stella… plans to major in business.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Matt is an athletic infielder from St. Michael-Albertville High School in Minnesota. Matt is a hard-nosed ball player who makes everyone around him better. His intensity and compete factors are off the chart, and he plays the game hard. Matt is an athlete that can play all over the field and provides a strong left-handed swing with power potential."
Nolan Phillips (5-7, 165, RHP, R/R, Colorado Springs, Colo./Palmer Ridge High School)
High School
Letter winner in baseball at Palmer Ridge High School under head coach Ty Baker… the 15th ranked right-handed pitcher in Colorado according to Prep Baseball Report… named team captain as a junior… a multiple selection to the honor roll… a member of the National Honor Society.
Personal
Son of John and Dawn Phillips… one sibling, Taylor… father competed in track & field at Bowling Green, graduating in 1993… plans to major in operations and supply chain management.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Nolan is an athletic right-handed pitcher from Palmer Ridge High School in Colorado. Although small in stature Nolan has elite level stuff, ranking nationally in multiple spin metrics on his breaking pitches. Nolan has touched 93 mph and sits in the low 90s and his breaking stuff is a separator at the college level. Nolan has as much potential as anyone who has ever worn a St. Thomas uniform and projects as a frontline starter as he continues to develop. Nolan is a phenomenal student and tireless worker who will fit in great with our team's culture."
Adam Puder (6-3, 195, INF, R/R, Blaine, Minn./Blaine High School)
High School
A letter winner in baseball at Blaine High School under head coach Ted Erickson… the number 26 ranked infielder in Minnesota according to Prep Baseball Report… a two-time All-Northwest Suburban Conference and all-section honoree… named team MVP and Defensive MVP… as a junior, recorded a .353 batting average and .424 on-base percentage with eight doubles, one home run and a .980 fielding percentage… a recipient of the presidential award… an "A" honor roll member and a member of the National Honor Society.
Personal
Son of Benjamin and Andrea Puder… two siblings, Jack and Sam… father played hockey as Gustavus… brother, Jack, plays baseball at Minnesota Duluth.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Adam is a big-bodied middle infielder from Blaine High School in Minnesota. Adam can really hit and has the skillset to stick in the middle infield and projects to be a middle of the order type bat as he continues to develop. Adam brings physical presence with tremendous upside as he continues to gain strength. Another high-level student and team captain for his high school team this spring!"
Tanner Recchio (5-7, 155, INF, L/R, Lakeville, Minn., Lakeville North High School)
High School
A letter winner in baseball at Lakeville North High School under head coach Tony Market… the number one ranked middle infielder in Minnesota according to Prep Baseball Report… a two-time All-South Suburban Conference selection… named team MVP.
Personal
Son of Chris and Dan Recchio… one sibling, Branden… plans to major in exercise science.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Tanner comes to us from Lakeville North High School in Minnesota. The best way to describe Tanner is that he is a ballplayer! Tanner plays the game the right way and plays hard. He is a true middle infielder that is one of the best defenders in the state. He makes highlight type plays in the infield almost every game and is a prototypical lead off type hitter. Tanner has elite level bat control and is very tough out with occasional power. Tanner will make an immediate impact as top of the order type bat for us."
Ben Trucke (6-0, 210, INF/C, R/R, Watertown, Minn./Watertown-Mayer High School)
High School
A letter winner in baseball at Watertown-Mayer High School under head coach and father Ryan Trucke… the number four ranked catcher in Minnesota according to Prep Baseball Report… named Defensive Player of the Year… selected to All-Minnesota River Conference and all-conference honorable mention teams… a member of the honor roll.
Personal
Son of Ryan and Jennifer Trucke… three siblings, Anna, Nick and Grace… father played baseball at Bethel… brother, Nick, played baseball at St. John's… undecided on a major.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Ben is a physical corner infielder/outfielder/catcher from Watertown-Mayer High School in Minnesota. Ben can really hit! He has elite level bat speed and power potential that projects to be a middle of the order type bat during his career. Ben comes from a baseball family and knows how to play the game. He is a fantastic student and a tireless worker."
Zan von Schlegell (5-10, 180, INF, R/R, Downers Grove, Ill./Saint Viator High School)
High School
A letter winner in baseball at Saint Viator High School under head coach Terry Beyna… the fifth ranked infielder in Illinois according to Prep Baseball Report… named the 2022 East Suburban Catholic Conference Defensive Player of the Year… selected to all-conference and all-area teams.
Personal
Son of Hassan and Valerie von Schlegell… one sibling, Allia… undecided on a major.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Zan is an elite middle infielder from St. Viator High School in Illinois. Zan has all the tools you look for in an infielder: Great range, great hands, and an elite level arm talent reaching 95 mph across the infield at a recent showcase. In addition to that Zan recently represented Team Pakistan as the starting shortstop in the World Baseball Classic qualifiers. Zan is a true five-tool talent. In addition to his defensive prowess, Zan has elite level bat speed and projects to be a middle of the order type hitter as he gains experience. Zan is a strong student and a tireless worker that will fit in great to our team culture."
Follow Along
For more information on St. Thomas Baseball, follow along on Twitter at @TommieBase and Instagram at @tommiebaseball
This year's signing class is comprised of five student-athletes from Minnesota, two from Colorado, two from Wisconsin and one from Illinois. The squad includes four infielders, three pitchers, two catchers and one outfielder.
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. B/T Hometown High School
Owen Bond OF 6-3 205 L/L Pewaukee, Wis. Kettle-Moraine
Ezra Formaneck RHP 6-0 180 R/R Apple Valley, Minn. Eastview
Marcus Kruzan RHP 6-2 190 R/R Highbridge, Wis. Ashland
Sean Marlow C/UTIL 5-8 160 R/R Highlands Ranch, Colo. Mountain Vista
Matthew Maulik INF 5-11 170 L/R St. Michael, Minn. St. Michael-Albertville
Nolan Phillips RHP 5-7 165 R/R Colorado Springs, Colo. Palmer Ridge
Adam Puder INF 6-3 195 R/R Blaine, Minn. Blaine
Tanner Recchio INF 5-7 155 L/R Lakeville, Minn. Lakeville North
Ben Trucke INF/C 6-0 210 R/R Watertown, Minn. Watertown-Mayer
Zan von Schlegell INF 5-10 180 R/R Downers Grove, Ill. Saint Viator
Owen Bond (6-3, 205, OF, L/L, Pewaukee, Wis./Kettle-Moraine High School)
High School
A letter winner in baseball at Kettle-Moraine High School under head coach James Wolbert… the number nine ranked outfielder in Wisconsin according to Prep Baseball Report… helped KMHS to regional championship in 2022… a member of the high honor roll freshman through junior years.
Personal
Son of Travis and Michelle Bond… two siblings, Lola and Oscar… plans to major in business administration with an emphasis in financial management.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Owen is high upside outfielder from Kettle Moraine High School in Wisconsin. Owen has a fantastic left-handed swing and is in the zone for a long time! He has gap-to-gap power and is a 6.7 runner that knows how to use his speed. As he gains strength, Owen will be a middle of the order type bat. Owen is a great student and a high-character person who will be a perfect fit for our team's culture."
Ezra Formaneck (6-0, 180, RHP, R/R, Apple Valley, Minn./Eastview High School)
High School
A letter winner in baseball at Eastview High School under coaches Pat Strey and Tom Strey… the 11th ranked right-handed pitcher in Minnesota according to Prep Baseball Report… named the EHS Pitcher of the Year and Rookie of the Year… a two-time All-South Suburban Conference selection… recorded the lowest ERA in Minnesota as a sophomore.
Personal
Son of Greg and Angie Formaneck… two siblings, Payton and Brendan… undecided on a major.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Ezra is an athletic right-handed pitcher from Eastview High School in Minnesota. Ezra is a multisport athlete who has elite level hand speed and arm talent. A strike thrower who has already reached the low 90s, Ezra is just getting started! Ezra throws his best in big spots and has thrived as a closer throughout his high school career. Ezra is natural leader and another strong student that will be huge addition to our pitching staff."
Marcus Kruzan (6-2, 190, RHP, R/R, Highbridge, Wis./Ashland High School)
High School
A letter winner in baseball at Ashland High School under coaches Chris Kempf and Travis Larson… an All-Heart O' North Conference First Team selection… recorded 90 strikeouts with a 0.53 ERA as a junior… also a letter winner in football… selected to all-conference team… a member of the honor roll.
Personal
Son of Phil and Kris Kruzan… two siblings, Baily and Karly… undecided on a major.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Marcus is an athletic right-handed pitcher from Ashland High School in Wisconsin. Marcus is another multisport athlete who is just starting to reach his potential. On the mound he already touches the low 90s and profiles as mid 90s type arm as he continues to develop and gain strength. Another strike thrower with a sharp breaking ball, Marcus profiles as a front of the rotation type arm. Marcus is a strong student and a quiet leader."
Sean Marlow (5-8, 160, C/UTIL, R/R, Highlands Ranch, Colo./Mountain Vista High School)
High School
A letter winner in baseball at Mountain Vista High School under head coach Ronald Quintana… the number six ranked catcher in Colorado according to Prep Baseball Report… named to the All-Continental League Second Team… selected academic all-conference first team… a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.
Personal
Son of Craig and Kim Marlow… one sibling, Amanda… plans to major in computer science.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Sean is an athletic shut down defensive catcher from Mountain Vista High School in Colorado. Sean can really run and he consistently finds barrels and makes hard contact at the plate. He gives us an elite level athlete catch and throw option at one of the most important positions on the field. Sean is a fantastic student and will fit our team culture perfectly!"
Matthew Maulik (5-11, 170, INF, L/R, St. Michael, Minn./St. Michael-Albertville High School)
High School
A letter winner in baseball at St. Michael-Albertville High School under head coach Paul Schumm… the fourth ranked shortstop in Minnesota according to Prep Baseball Report… named SMAHS Rookie of the Year as a sophomore and Co-Defensive Player of the Year as a junior.
Personal
Son of Josh and Stacie Maulik… two siblings, Dylan and Stella… plans to major in business.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Matt is an athletic infielder from St. Michael-Albertville High School in Minnesota. Matt is a hard-nosed ball player who makes everyone around him better. His intensity and compete factors are off the chart, and he plays the game hard. Matt is an athlete that can play all over the field and provides a strong left-handed swing with power potential."
Nolan Phillips (5-7, 165, RHP, R/R, Colorado Springs, Colo./Palmer Ridge High School)
High School
Letter winner in baseball at Palmer Ridge High School under head coach Ty Baker… the 15th ranked right-handed pitcher in Colorado according to Prep Baseball Report… named team captain as a junior… a multiple selection to the honor roll… a member of the National Honor Society.
Personal
Son of John and Dawn Phillips… one sibling, Taylor… father competed in track & field at Bowling Green, graduating in 1993… plans to major in operations and supply chain management.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Nolan is an athletic right-handed pitcher from Palmer Ridge High School in Colorado. Although small in stature Nolan has elite level stuff, ranking nationally in multiple spin metrics on his breaking pitches. Nolan has touched 93 mph and sits in the low 90s and his breaking stuff is a separator at the college level. Nolan has as much potential as anyone who has ever worn a St. Thomas uniform and projects as a frontline starter as he continues to develop. Nolan is a phenomenal student and tireless worker who will fit in great with our team's culture."
Adam Puder (6-3, 195, INF, R/R, Blaine, Minn./Blaine High School)
High School
A letter winner in baseball at Blaine High School under head coach Ted Erickson… the number 26 ranked infielder in Minnesota according to Prep Baseball Report… a two-time All-Northwest Suburban Conference and all-section honoree… named team MVP and Defensive MVP… as a junior, recorded a .353 batting average and .424 on-base percentage with eight doubles, one home run and a .980 fielding percentage… a recipient of the presidential award… an "A" honor roll member and a member of the National Honor Society.
Personal
Son of Benjamin and Andrea Puder… two siblings, Jack and Sam… father played hockey as Gustavus… brother, Jack, plays baseball at Minnesota Duluth.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Adam is a big-bodied middle infielder from Blaine High School in Minnesota. Adam can really hit and has the skillset to stick in the middle infield and projects to be a middle of the order type bat as he continues to develop. Adam brings physical presence with tremendous upside as he continues to gain strength. Another high-level student and team captain for his high school team this spring!"
Tanner Recchio (5-7, 155, INF, L/R, Lakeville, Minn., Lakeville North High School)
High School
A letter winner in baseball at Lakeville North High School under head coach Tony Market… the number one ranked middle infielder in Minnesota according to Prep Baseball Report… a two-time All-South Suburban Conference selection… named team MVP.
Personal
Son of Chris and Dan Recchio… one sibling, Branden… plans to major in exercise science.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Tanner comes to us from Lakeville North High School in Minnesota. The best way to describe Tanner is that he is a ballplayer! Tanner plays the game the right way and plays hard. He is a true middle infielder that is one of the best defenders in the state. He makes highlight type plays in the infield almost every game and is a prototypical lead off type hitter. Tanner has elite level bat control and is very tough out with occasional power. Tanner will make an immediate impact as top of the order type bat for us."
Ben Trucke (6-0, 210, INF/C, R/R, Watertown, Minn./Watertown-Mayer High School)
High School
A letter winner in baseball at Watertown-Mayer High School under head coach and father Ryan Trucke… the number four ranked catcher in Minnesota according to Prep Baseball Report… named Defensive Player of the Year… selected to All-Minnesota River Conference and all-conference honorable mention teams… a member of the honor roll.
Personal
Son of Ryan and Jennifer Trucke… three siblings, Anna, Nick and Grace… father played baseball at Bethel… brother, Nick, played baseball at St. John's… undecided on a major.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Ben is a physical corner infielder/outfielder/catcher from Watertown-Mayer High School in Minnesota. Ben can really hit! He has elite level bat speed and power potential that projects to be a middle of the order type bat during his career. Ben comes from a baseball family and knows how to play the game. He is a fantastic student and a tireless worker."
Zan von Schlegell (5-10, 180, INF, R/R, Downers Grove, Ill./Saint Viator High School)
High School
A letter winner in baseball at Saint Viator High School under head coach Terry Beyna… the fifth ranked infielder in Illinois according to Prep Baseball Report… named the 2022 East Suburban Catholic Conference Defensive Player of the Year… selected to all-conference and all-area teams.
Personal
Son of Hassan and Valerie von Schlegell… one sibling, Allia… undecided on a major.
Quote from Coach Olean: "Zan is an elite middle infielder from St. Viator High School in Illinois. Zan has all the tools you look for in an infielder: Great range, great hands, and an elite level arm talent reaching 95 mph across the infield at a recent showcase. In addition to that Zan recently represented Team Pakistan as the starting shortstop in the World Baseball Classic qualifiers. Zan is a true five-tool talent. In addition to his defensive prowess, Zan has elite level bat speed and projects to be a middle of the order type hitter as he gains experience. Zan is a strong student and a tireless worker that will fit in great to our team culture."
Follow Along
For more information on St. Thomas Baseball, follow along on Twitter at @TommieBase and Instagram at @tommiebaseball
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