Bryan Ventura (Carolina, Puerto Rico/Continental), who recently finished up a two-year career on the Marshalltown Community College Baseball team, has signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Peru State College Bobcats.
Ventura was a mainstay in the Tiger lineup for the past two seasons, appearing in 101 total games as the team's primary centerfielder. Ventura collected 79 career hits, including 21 doubles and seven home runs. Ventura was also a threat on the base paths, swiping nine bags in 2016.
Ventura was named to the All-Region XI Honorable Mention team as a sophomore in 2016 after helping the Tigers to their most successful season in program history that ended with a No. 19 ranking in the NJCAA poll.
"MCC helped me to become more of a team player," Ventura exclaimed. "I was able to become more flexible on the field while developing my baseball skills and my body. I enjoyed my time at MCC as I was able to share my time with people from all over the world and it created a family."
"I'd like to thank my advisor Julia Aguilar for helping me with my academics and also to the entire coaching staff."
Peru State, located in Peru, NE, is a NAIA institution and plays in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. The Bobcats have won at least 27 games in four of the last five seasons, including two HAAC championships and NAIA National Tournament appearances in both 2015 and 2012. Peru State is coached by Wayne Albury, the winningest coach in Bobcat history.
"I chose Peru State because they give me a great opportunity to extend my career, both academically and on the field," Ventura added. "I'm looking forward to being able to apply what I've learned in the past while continuing to learn new things."
MCC head coach Rich Grife was pleased to see Ventura find a home following his time at MCC. "Bryan provided a unique playing style for us that led to a great two years on the field. We are glad to see him move on to a strong program like Peru and we wish him the best."
Ventura will be the third former Tiger athlete to suit up for a Bobcat team when the 2016-17 seasons roll around. Former MCC Volleyball player Samantha Hinrichs (2013-15) will join Peru State on the court in the fall while Paulius Sakinis (2014-2016) signed a National Letter of Intent to play men's basketball this season.
