Kelly, Schuermann named captains for 2016 baseball

NEWPORT, R.I. - Salve Regina University baseball head coach Eric Cirella has named two players as his captains for the 2016 season - seniors Ryan Kelly (Waldwick, N.J.) and Mike Schuermann (Rockville Centre, N.Y.).

"Ryan Kelly is already one of the best leaders I have coached in about a decade of coaching college baseball," says third-year head coach Cirella. "He is truly an extension of the coaching staff on and off the field. I cannot begin to get into detail about how much he contributes behind the scenes and his work ethic is second to none. It is every coaches dream to have their most talented player also be their hardest working guy in the weight room and in practice. More than his ability, we will miss his leadership when he graduates this spring."

"Schuerm is one of a kind. He came in here three and a half years ago undersized and without a true role. That didn't last long as he turned into a valuable piece of our bullpen. He loves baseball and he loves winning and you can see that in his body language, how he interacts with his teammates, and you can really see it in his eyes when he's out there competing. There isn't a moment too big for him and he has really bought into his role as a lefty specialist. If you are lucky enough to get 15-20 pitchers who buy into their role as much as Schuerm has, while still working to improve in all facets of their game, you will have an outstanding pitching staff."

Salve Regina (26-15 in 2015; ECAC champions) begins its 2016 campaign in Florida when the Seahawks play a doubleheader with Washington & Jefferson on Friday, March 18.