LocalSportsJournal.com

WHITE CLOUD–The White Cloud Indians are heading into the high school baseball season, but two Indians already have finalized their plans for next year.

Alex Cruzan and Mason Ruether have signed their national letters of intent to continue their education and baseball careers at the college level.

The signings took place in the high school gymnasium in front of family, friends and teammates.

Cruzan is taking his talents to Cornerstone University while Ruether opted for Aquinas College.

Cruzan’s stellar junior season included being named first-team All-State in Division 4. He had a .474 batting average with 46 hits, 41 runs scored, 21 RBI and 19 stolen bases.

“His strength is centerfield,” Indian coach Kelly Mahn said. “He has a cannon for an arm. He played several other positions, including pitcher.”

As an outfielder, Cruzan threw out six base runners. As a pitcher, he struck out 38 batters in 33 innings of work.

“Alex’s work ethic is amazing as practice for him never ends,” Mahn said.

Cruzan is ranked No. 4 in his class academically and plans to become a pharmacist.

Ruether has had a difficult road getting to this point.

He missed his freshman season due to covid and his junior year with a knee injury suffered while playing basketball.

As a sophomore, Ruether battled .433 with 52 hits, including 13 doubles, one triple and two home runs. He scored 59 runs and knocked in 35. He also had 34 stolen bases. While pitching, Ruether was 9-1 and, in 63 innings of work, struck out 90 batters.

Those accomplishments earned him first-team All-State honors in Division 4.

“Mason’s strength is playing shortstop,” said Mahn, who added that Ruether fielded his position at a .940 clip. “He has a knack for being in the right place at the right time.”

Mahn is looking forward to what his star players can accomplish not only this season, but in the future at the college level.

“Both of these young men have proudly represented the tight-knit community of White Cloud,” Mahn said. “As their coach, I can’t wait to see the amazing things they will do on the field during their senior season.”

At top, Alex Cruzan and his family pose for a photo after Alex signed his letter of intent to play baseball at Cornerstone University.  Above, Mason Ruether, who is going to play college baseball at Aquinas College is shown with his family.