LAFAYETTE, La. – The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns golf team added two more to its ranks for the 2017-18 season as Justin Caldwell (Ponchatoula, La.) and Colin Troxler (Luling, La.) signed a National Letter of Intent, head coach Theo Sliman announced on Thursday.

“We are very pleased and excited to welcome both Colin and Justin to the Ragin’ Cajun Golf program,” Sliman said. “Both young men are the epitome of what we look for to represent our University as well as our golf program. I have the utmost confidence that Colin and Justin will embody what both the University and our athletic department represent in an exceptional manner.”

Troxler joins the Cajuns from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College where he earned NJCAA Division II PING Second Team All-American honors as a freshman. A standout from Hahnville High School, Troxler carded 10 rounds of par or better during the 2015-16 season including five rounds in the 60s. Troxler finished in the top 10 in seven of the 12 tournaments that he played in a year ago with four runner-up performances.

“It’s very nice to have Colin join a talented list of golfers from the New Orleans area, and I know his pride of the University runs deep,” Sliman said. “He has had a highly decorated first year in junior college, and will bring experience to our team as he transfers in as a junior, thus giving us more depth and leadership.”

Caldwell is a three-year letterman from Ponchatoula High School where he has reached the state finals in all three seasons heading into his senior campaign. Caldwell has several wins to his credit including the 2015 AJGT Oak Harbor Junior Golf Classic and also earned an exemption into the 2016 Louisiana Golf Association Men’s State Amateur at the Country Club of Louisiana.

“Justin comes from a high pedigree golfing family and is a well-rounded mature young man,” Sliman said. “He has a strong passion for golf, community and school with a tremendous upside on the golf course.

“I am very anxious to get both of these young men on campus in the fall and see the impact they will have on our team.”

— Ragin’ Cajuns — 

Brock Batty (Denham Springs, La.), Gavin Bourgeois (Church Point, La.), Hayden Cantrelle (Lafayette, La.), Luke Coker (Tuscaloosa, Ala.), Christian Cusimano (Vestavia Hills, Ala.), Blake Faecher (Cypress, Texas), Jansen Fontenot (Longville, La.), Alex Hannie (Lafayette, La.), Brady Jones (Baker, La.), Daniel Lahare (Metairie, La.), Austin Perrin (Boutte, La.), Logan Savoy (Ragley, La.), Brett Williams (Deer Park, Texas), and Jonathan Windham (Spring, Texas) make up the 14-man signing class.

“We really wanted to stay athletic in this class and we did that with a group that is very fast and strong,” Robichaux said. “Our coaches did a great job of getting out on the road and putting together a great class. Anthony Babineaux, Jeremy Talbot and Daniel Freeman went out this summer and fall knowing that this class was going to be important with the number of players we could potentially lose after this season. We have eight seniors and a lot of draft-eligible juniors, so we needed to bring in guys who could fill the void we will have potentially after the June MLB draft.” 

The Cajuns pick up four pitchers, eight position players and two two-way players in the class, while nine of the 14 signees hail from the state of Louisiana. The class is comprised mostly of high school players with 12 of the 14 signees coming from the prep ranks. 

“There’s a lot of potential in this group, but potential doesn’t win games for you,” Robichaux added. “These guys are going to have to come in ready to work and be able to adjust to the Division I level. We don’t just recruit players who are talented, but guys that we know can come in continue to get better. It was good that we were able to pick up a good number of left-handed arms. I also like the speed that this group brings to our team next year.” 

Brock Batty – LHP – 6-1, 190, L/L – Denham Springs, La. (Denham Springs HS) 

Batty went 6-2 on the mound as a junior for Denham Springs High School with 65 strikeouts in 60.2 innings, a 2.77 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and .200 opponent batting average. Batty also hit .311 with 5 doubles, 20 walks and 21 RBI to earn Livingston Parish MVP honors. The left-hander was named a Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American in 2015 and 2016. Batty also garnered all-state honors as a junior. 

Quote from recruiting coordinator Jeremy Talbot: “Brock is a lefty with exceptional feel for the breaking ball and good overall pitchability.  He comes from one of the best high school programs in the state and was a guy that we had targeted early on in the recruiting process.  We are excited about his future as a Ragin’ Cajun and proud to have him in our program.” 

Gavin Bourgeois – OF/LHP – 6-0, 185, R/R – Church Point, La. (LSU-Eunice) 

Bourgeois hit .281 with two doubles, eight RBI and 11 stolen bases in 29 games as a freshman at LSU-E. He also scored 14 times and had an outfield assist. Bourgeois went to Notre Dame High School where he earned All-State honors in 2014 and 2015. Earned district MVP honors as a junior. Bourgeois also played football for the Pioneers earning All-State honors as a senior.  

Quote from recruiting coordinator Jeremy Talbot: “Gavin is a local product who has really come on in his development.  He’s a pure strength and speed athlete, who led the Jayhawk League last summer in stolen bases while also hitting over .300.  We were particularly impressed with how fearless and aggressive he played the game. His make-up will fit well into the culture of our locker room.” 

Hayden Cantrelle – SS – 5-10, 175, S/R – Lafayette, La. (Teurlings Catholic HS)

Cantrelle helped guide Teurlings Catholic to the 4A State championship game in 2015 and a state title in 2016. The Lafayette native hit .398 with 45 runs, nine doubles, three triples, 29 RBI and 18 stolen bases as a junior earning 2016 Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-America honors. Cantrelle was invited by the Miami Marlins to take place in the East Coast Pro Showcase this past summer. As a sophomore, Cantrelle hit .402 with 25 RBI. He has been named all-state and all-Acadiana in both 2015 and 2016. Cantrelle also plays quarterback on the Rebels football team and helped guide the squad to the Division II state semifinals in 2015.

Quote from recruiting coordinator Jeremy Talbot: “Hayden is the son of former Ragin’ Cajuns alum Kevin Cantrelle, and you can see that he has definitely inherited Kevin’s competitive nature.  We absolutely love the combination of tools and mental make-up that Hayden will bring.  He is currently the quarterback on a very good Teurlings Catholic football team. He’s an electric runner with plus actions, and a bat that plays well from both sides of the plate. We couldn’t be more excited about Hayden’s future at Louisiana.” 

Luke Coker – INF – 6-2, 160, L/R – Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Northridge HS)

Coker is a two-time Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American from Northridge High School. He was named to the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association Team in both 2014 and 2015. Coker has started in all three seasons for the Jaguars.

Quote from recruiting coordinator Jeremy Talbot: “Luke is an athletic middle infielder who can defend and hits from the left side. He will come to us well coached as he has played for one of the best summer league programs (East Coast Baseball), in addition to playing high school ball for former Alabama head coach Jim Wells. He is a quality baseball player with quality character as well.” 

Christian Cusimano – INF – 6-2, 175, R/R – Vestavia, Ala. (Vestavia Hills HS) 

Cusimano helped guide Vestavia Hills High School to the No. 22 spot MaxPreps Xcellent 25 National Baseball Rankings. A 2016 Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American, Cusimano hit .330 with 20 RBI, 26 runs and 15 stolen bases.  

Quote from recruiting coordinator Jeremy Talbot: “Christian is a guy with a big upside as he continues to fill out a very projectable athletic frame.  He’s another high character guy who will represent our program well on and off the field, and we are very proud to have him join this recruiting class.  He has shown outstanding defensive actions on the infield, and will continue to mature as a hitter with future strength gains.”

Blake Faecher – OF – 5-11, 195, R/R – Cypress, Texas (Cy-Fair HS) 

Faecher is a two-sport star at Cy-Fair High School. He earned 2016 Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American honors in 2016. Faecher has started in all three seasons for the Bobcats earning all-district honors three times. Faecher is a running back on the football team for Cy-Fair. 

Quote from recruiting coordinator Jeremy Talbot: “Blake is a physically mature presence at the plate who can also affect the game on the bases with his speed. He’s a gifted hitter with gap strength. Blake comes to us out of the Houston area and should be an impact player in his career at Louisiana.  We feel like we have one of the better strength and speed guys out of Houston in Blake.” 

Jansen Fontenot – OF – 6-1, 185, R/R – Longville, La. (South Beauregard HS)

Fontenot is a two-sport star at South Beauregard High School where he earned all-state honors in both 2015 and 2016. Fontenot hit .382 as a junior with 45 hits, 29 stolen bases, 31 RBI and 39 runs. As a sophomore, Fontenot posted a .398 average tallying 35 runs, 24 RBI and 27 stolen bases. Fontenot plays running back for the Knights football team.

Quote from recruiting coordinator Jeremy Talbot: “Jansen is one of two signees from South Beauregard and a former teammate of Nick Lee. Jansen may be the best overall pure athlete in the class and the state. He’s a tough minded young man who loves to compete, and even profiled well as a D1 football player. He will only add to the depth of strength and speed athletes we have in this class.” 

Alex Hannie – OF/LHP – 6-2, 200, R/L – Lafayette, La. (St. Thomas Moore HS)

Hannie is a two-time Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American at St. Thomas More High School despite missing much of the 2016 season due to injury. The Lafayette native also plays wide receiver for the Cougars football team helping the squad reach the Division II State championship game in 2015.  

Quote from recruiting coordinator Jeremy Talbot: “Alex is another physical, athletic outfielder who has battled some injuries, but we expect him to make a full recovery this year.  He’s another quality local product who has plenty of strength at contact and runs very well for such a strong body type.  We are very pleased to be bringing in another dynamic athlete who is also a quality young man.”

Brady Jones – C – 6-2, 185, R/R – Baker, La. (Central HS)

Jones was named a Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American in both 2015 and 2016 with Central High School. As a sophomore, Jones hit .338 with 11 doubles, three home runs and 23 RBI in 29 games. In three seasons, Jones has driven in 47 runs and scored 26 times for the Wildcats and has seen action in 84 games including 32 games as a freshman.

Quote from recruiting coordinator Jeremy Talbot: “Brady is defensively agile as a catcher with plus arm strength.  He has shown 90 mph velocity off of the mound as early as a freshman in high school.  We feel he has the chance to be an advanced defender at this level, which will only help make our pitching staff better.” 

Daniel Lahare – OF – 5-10, 180, L/L – Metairie, La. (Delgado JC)

Lahare was named a NJCAA Second Team All-American after hitting .382 with seven doubles, nine triples, 12 home runs, 50 RBI, 60 runs and 10 stolen bases in 53 games as a freshman. Lahare was a four-year letterman in baseball and football at Brother Martin High School where he garnered all-district all four years. He was also a two-time All-Metro selection and received All-State honorable mention honors in 2014. Lahare helped Brother Martin reach the 5A State finals as a senior and also played in the Connie Mack World Series.

Quote from recruiting coordinator Jeremy Talbot: “Daniel is a plus runner who has tremendous barrel awareness, which translated into power and average numbers at Delgado last year.  He should provide immediate impact the day he steps foot on campus. He brings with him an intensity and passion for the game. For a guy with a moderate build, he has sneaky power to all parts of the ballpark.”

Austin Perrin – LHP – 5-11, 180, L/L – Boutte, La. (Hahnville HS) 

A two-time Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American, Perrin went 8-2 as a junior at Hahnville with a 1.19 ERA in 70 innings. A First Team All-State selection in 2016, Perrin posted 90 strikeouts while allowing only 13 walks. Perrin was also an all-state honorable mention selection as a sophomore after going 5-4 with 70 strikeouts in 60.1 innings of work.

Quote from recruiting coordinator Jeremy Talbot: “Austin has been a dominant high school arm for several years now, as well as another high school quarterback who is having an outstanding year for Hahnville. He’s not overpowering, but shows advanced feel to add and subtract on hitters much like Gunner Leger.  His ability to throw three pitches for strikes in any count, along with his competitive nature, is what separated him in the recruiting process.”

Logan Savoy – LHP – 5-11, 165, L/L – Ragley, La. (South Beauregard HS) 

Savoy was named the 2016 Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year after posting a 10-2 record with a 1.71 ERA and 115 strikeouts in 77.1 innings as a junior. He helped guide South Beauregard to the Class 3A state final in 2016. Savoy was also named a Louisville Slugger First Team All-American in 2016 as he hit .365 with five home runs, 16 doubles and 38 RBI at the plate. In his career with the Golden Knights, Savoy has posted a 25-2 record with a 1.35 ERA, four saves and 255 strikeouts. Savoy was also named an All-American by both Max Preps and Perfect Game in 2016 and was tabbed a Louisville Slugger Second Team All-American in 2015.

Quote from recruiting coordinator Jeremy Talbot: “Logan has a chance to be a dominant lefty for us in the future because of his overall athletic ability and a wipe out breaking ball.  We feel we have one of the better left-handed arms in the state in Logan, and we are very excited about his arrival onto campus.  His ceiling is very high, and there are no questions about his ability to compete on the mound.”

Brett Williams – RHP – 6-1, 185, R/R – Deer Park, Texas (La Porte HS)

Williams was named to the Houston Area Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Game after his junior campaign. Williams earned all-district honors and was tabbed to the 2016 Texas Prep Baseball All Houston 6A Team. Williams tossed a no-hitter for the Bulldogs this past season in the playoffs.  

Quote from recruiting coordinator Jeremy Talbot: “Brett was a key addition to this class, and has a bright future ahead of him at Louisiana.  He flashes arm strength and a quality swing-and-miss breaking ball. What’s really fun to watch is his attack and presence on the mound. His combination of stuff and mental make-up will set him up nicely to have a good career here.”

Jonathan Windham – 3B – 6-3, 195, R/R – Spring, Texas (Klein Collins HS)

Windham was named a Perfect Game Third Team All-American in 2016 and a Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American in 2015 at Klein Collins High School. Was named to the 2016 Rangers Area Code Baseball team this past summer.  

Quote from recruiting coordinator Jeremy Talbot: “Jon is another Houston area front-line recruit that profiles as a true third baseman with size, arm strength and a physical bat. He comes from a strong family background and is a model young man. The overall combination of his physical tools are very impressive, as noted by his selection to the Texas Rangers Area Code Team in Long Beach, Ca.