Aug. 25, 2005
Gonzaga University head baseball coach Mark Machtolf announced 11 additions to the Bulldogs roster for the 2006 season. Ryan Weigand, Cory Powell, Clayton Mortensen, Dustin Colclough and Tyson VanWinkle all signed national letters of intent with Gonzaga. Mark Castellitto, Austin Weymouth, Nick Dietzen, C.J. McClure, Tom Johnson and Bryan Winston will walk-on for the Bulldogs in 2006.
Weigand (San Diego, Calif./Cathedral), a right-handed pitcher, comes to Gonzaga after a standout senior year in which he hit .465 with 10 home runs, 15 doubles and 41 RBI on his way to a first-team All-City West League selection.
"Ryan is a big, strong physically gifted hitter who has the potential to hit for a lot of power," said Machtolf.
Powell (Boise, Idaho/Treasure Valley CC) was a first-team All-Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges selection in 2005 while playing for Treasure Valley Community College. Last season he posted a 1-0 record with 10 saves and an ERA of 1.59. At the plate he hit .349 with three home runs, 42 doubles and 19 RBI.
"Cory is a two-way player that will compete for an outfield position as well as seeing significant innings as a closer," said Machtolf.
Mortensen (Rexburg Idaho), a right-handed pitcher transfer from TVCC, comes to GU after posting a 7-5 record with 89 strike outs in 88 innings pitched last season earning him a first-team All-NWAAC selection.
"I am very excited about Mortensen," said Machtolf. "He possesses three pitches and will compete for one of the starting roles."
Colclough (San Jose, Calif.) will transfer to Gonzaga from San Jose City College as a catcher after earning a first-team All-Coast South Conference selection in 2005. Last season he hit .341 with five doubles and one triple.
"Dustin is a strong, physical catcher who will battle for the starting catching position," said Machtolf.
VanWinkle (Vancouver, Wash./Hudson Bay) comes to Gonzaga after hitting over .400 as a senior and earning the Most Valuable Player of the Greater St. Helens League as a catcher and infielder during his junior and senior seasons.
"Tyson is young and versatile player who could see time at a number of positions," said Machtolf.
Castellitto (San Diego, Calif.) joins the Bulldogs after a standout career at Poway high. During his senior season he hit .472 with nine home runs, 12 doubles and 45 RBI earning him a first-team All-Palomar League selection.
"Mark is a very athletic player who is an outstanding hitting prospect," said Machtolf.
Weymouth (Scottsdale, Ariz.), a right handed pitcher, joins the Bulldogs from Arcadia high after leading the state of Ariz. in hitting with a .527 batting average and ended his career at Arcadia as the second all-time leader in hits.
"Austin is a two-way guy with great versatility. He possesses a great knuckleball," said Machtolf.
Dietzen (Moses Lake, Wash./Moses Lake Christian), an infielder from Big Bend Community College, hit .367 with 10 doubles and 25 RBI last season earning him first-team All-NWAAC Eastern Region honors.
"He is a physical player who will battle for playing time immediately," Machtolf said about Dietzen.
McClure (Kennewick, Wash./Kennewick) will join the Zags as a freshman in the fall after posting a 6-2 record with a 1.77 ERA and 60 strikeouts as a senior. His efforts during his senior season earned him a first-team All-Big Nine conference selection.
"He is an outstanding control pitcher with good movement. He will compete for playing time as a freshman," said Machtolf.
Johnson (Denver, Colo./Mullen) will join Gonzaga after standout senior season as a senior in which he hit .389 with a .746 slugging percentage on his way to first-team All-Centennial Conference and first-team All-State selection.
"He is a good catch and throw guy who will get stronger and battle for playing time as a freshman," said Machtolf.
Winston (Richland, Wash./Spokane Falls CC) transfers to GU from Spokane Falls Community College after hitting .406 with 13 doubles, one home run and 13 stolen bases last season. His efforts last season earned him a first-team All-NWAAC and first-team All-NWAAC Eastern Region selection.
"Bryan is a tough, hard nosed player that can play a number of positions in the infield," said Machtolf.