UTSA announces nine baseball newcomersUTSA announces nine baseball newcomers
Jeff Huehn/UTSA Athletics
Baseball

UTSA announces nine baseball newcomers

SAN ANTONIO – UTSA baseball coach Pat Hallmark announced nine student-athletes as part of the Roadrunners' 2022 recruiting class.
 
The incoming players include Preston Freeman, Clark Henry, Tye Odom, Tres Organ, Jesse Ponce, Nick Reyes, Ruger Riojas, Zachary Royse and Adam Wade.
 
Coach Hallmark on the class
"We are excited with this recruiting class," Hallmark said. "Coach (Ryan) Aguayo and Coach (Zach) Butler did a terrific job of finding talent and building the relationships to land them here in San Antonio. We were able to fill some specific needs and added some versatility defensively. It's a young group who we think can be the foundation of success for several years moving forward."
 
Preston Freeman • INF • 6-3 • Pleasanton, Texas • Floresville High School

Quoting Hallmark: "Preston is a two-sport athlete (baseball/football) who has tremendous upside both at the plate and defensively. He'll be an impact player in the near future."
 
About Freeman:
Freeman was a first-team all-district shortstop for three seasons (2019-21) as well as an all-state shortstop in high school. He set his high school's record for most triples in a season with 18. While in high school, Freeman also played football and was a National Honor Society member. He played club ball with Victus Scout Team coached by Jason LaRue.
 
Clark Henry • OF • 6-0 • Houston, Texas • Temple Junior College

Quoting Hallmark: "Clark is a proven hitter who can beat people in multiple ways. Clark has hit everywhere he has played, including a big year last season at Temple."
 
About Henry:
In high school, Clark earned various awards, including district 12-6A all-district first-team at third base, academic all-district and TSBCA all-state second-team third base (2019). While at Angelina College, he was named to the President's list for the 2019-20 season. At Temple College, he earned NTJAC 1st team all-conference as a designated hitter. He was also named to the Region V all-region team and the TXNM NJCAA all-star game.
 
Tye Odom • OF • 6-0 • Kingsville, Texas • Bishop High School

Quoting Hallmark: "Tye is a talented, tough outfielder from south Texas. He plays aggressive and fast. His makeup will fit in well with how we want to play the game."
 
About Odom:
Following the 2021 season, Odom was named offensive MVP of his district. Tye was also recognized as an All-South Texas baseball second-team outfielder and was a TSWA 3A All-State team honorable mention outfielder. In Odom's freshman year of high school, he was awarded the newcomer of the year. He has been a member of the National Honor Society since 2019.
 
Tres Organ • UTY/RHP • 5-9 • Houston, Texas • Episcopal High School

Quoting Hallmark: "Tres is a versatile jack of all trades. As a two-sport athlete and two-way baseball player, Tres has the proven flexibility needed to excel anywhere. His defensive versatility complements his production at the plate nicely."
 
About Organ:
Organ helped lead his team to the Southwest Preparatory Conference State Championship in 2019. He was named a team captain for his high school squad this past season. He has served as a leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization at his school.
 
Jesse Ponce • INF • 5-9 • Sachse, Texas • Sachse High School

Quoting Hallmark: "Jesse is a ballplayer in every sense of the word. He has a history of production. His versatility on the infield is important as he can defend well at all three spots."
 
About Ponce:
Ponce was named his team's MVP and also earned the team-given golden glove award in 2021. He was also recognized as district defensive MVP.
 
Nick Reyes • OF • 6-2 • Corpus Christi, Texas • Veterans Memorial CC High School

Quoting Hallmark: "Nick is toolsy outfielder from Corpus Christi. He has the body and tools to develop into an elite D1 player. We are looking forward to getting him on campus and beginning that development."
 
About Reyes:
A decorated two-sport athlete at Veterans Memorial. He is a four-time academic all-district selection and was tabbed THSCA second-team all-state on the gridiron. In baseball, was named District 29-5A first-team all-district in the outfield, to the All-South Texas team and academic all-district twice.
 
Ruger Riojas • RHP • 5'11" • Spring Branch, Texas • Wimberley High School

Quoting Hallmark: "Ruger is a loose athletic right-handed pitcher from nearby Wimberley, Texas. He already has a fastball that can reach the low 90s. His athleticism and arm strength make for an intriguing future and we are glad to be part of it."
 
About Riojas:
Ruger helped his team to a Bi-District championship in 2021. He also ran track, where he owns both a top-20 run time in Wimberley history in the 400m and 800m races.
 
Zachary Royse • RHP • 6-2 • Katy, Texas • Cinco Ranch High School

Quoting Hallmark: "Zach is a physical right-handed pitcher with a high ceiling. Zach is a former catcher who just started pitching and already looks the part. He's only scratching the surface on how good he can be and we are excited to be a part of his development."
 
About Royse:
Royse was a first-team all-district pitcher following his junior season. He played club for Kyle Chapman in Houston.
 
Adam Wade • LHP • 6-7 • Missouri City, Texas • Fort Bend Elkins

Quoting Hallmark: "Adam is the classic big left-handed pitcher that coaches covet. He has a reputation for throwing strikes and competing well. His best days on the mound are ahead of him."
 
About Wade:
Wade was a first-team All-District selection in 2021 and has earned academic excellence honors from 2019-21. Also while in high school, he was a part of a Kyle Chapman team that won the New Balance National Championship in New Mexico.
             
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