Sophomore Luis Duran (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic/Centro de Estudio Espaillat) of the Marshalltown Community College baseball team has signed a National Letter of Intent to play for Faulkner University next season. Duran becomes the third Tiger of this year's team to sign with a four-year institution.
A member of the NAIA, Faulkner is a traditional powerhouse program that is currently ranked No. 1 in the nation this year. The Eagles, under the guidance of head coach Patrick McCarthy, has averaged 51 wins per year since 2011 with six NAIA tournament appearances, including the 2013 World Series title. The team reached the World Series in 2016, falling just short in the championship game.
"Faulkner is a very good program," Duran stated following his signing. "I'm thankful for the coaching staff to give me the opportunity to continue my baseball career and my studies. I'm looking forward to playing against some great competition."
Duran has been a consistent threat for the Tigers the past two seasons. As a freshman, he was named to the NJCAA All-Region XI Second-Team after posting a .340 batting average with 66 hits, 40 RBI, and 41 runs scored. Duran was also a member of the NJCAA Academic All-Region XI First-Team last year. Through 13 games this year, Duran leads the Tigers with a .449 batting average.
"Marshalltown was the very first school I came to in the United States," Duran added. "My coaches gave me a big opportunity to come here to play and study and it's been great. I've made a lot of close friends here and I'll miss Marshalltown when I leave. I'd like to thank my coaches along with my teachers, especially Julia Aguilar, Nancy Adams, and Connie Gardalen for pushing me to be better."
MCC head coach Rich Grife praised Duran's commitment and impact to the Tiger program the last two years. "For us, Luis is a once in a lifetime kind of guy. He's been a fantastic asset for our program with his play on the field and attitude off of the field. He has a strong work ethic and a very focused approach to the game."
"Faulkner is a top five program in the nation year in and year out," Grife continued, "and it gives Luis a chance to compete at the highest level, which he deserves. We look forward to seeing him fit right in and help the Eagles carry on their winning tradition and compete for a national title."
Duran joins fellow Tigers Juan Carlos Gonzalez (Piedra Blanca, Dominican Republic/Salome Urena de Henrriquez) and Diogen Ceballos (La Vega, Dominican Republic/Liceo la Romana) to commit to a four-year school for next season.
