Gannon Softball Program Adds Two During Early Signing Period
Gannon head softball coach Tom Jakubowski announced his first two signees on Tuesday.
Dan Teliski, DIrector of Athletic Media Relations
11/25/2008 10:44:32 AM
ERIE, Pa. - Gannon head softball coach Tom Jakubowski announced the signing of Erica Bartholow (Connellsville, Pa./Connellsville Area) and Megan Dragon (Ashtabula, Ohio/Edgewood) during the NCAA’s early signing period on Tuesday. The duo represents Jakubowski’s first signees since being named head coach last summer.
“Erica and Megan both bring a tremendous work ethic and love of the game to the Gannon softball program,” said Jakubowski. “Both are excellent students who will have a positive impact on and off the field within the Gannon community.”
Bartholow is a three-year letterwinner at Connellsville Area (Pa.) High School, being named to the all-county and all-section teams as a junior. The pitcher serves as a team captain for a Connellsville team which has played in back-to-back post-seasons.
“Erica has an outstanding fastball that has been clocked at 62 miles per hour,” noted Jakubowski. “She has the ability to throw five other pitches. In the words of her high school coach Max Burkovac, no one out-works Erica.”
Bartholow is a two-sport athlete at Connellsville, lettering twice in basketball. In the classroom, she has produced a perfect 4.0 grade-point average the last three years. Bartholow was an Academic All-Star and earned high honors every year. She is the President of the National Honor Society and a member of the Spanish Honor Society.
Dragon is also a three-year letterwinner at Ashtabula Edgewood (Ohio) High School. The Warriors have won three consecutive Northeast Conference championships, advancing to Ohio’s Final Four in 2006. The pitcher was named to the all-district, all-county, and all-conference first teams in each of the last three seasons. She earned All-State second-team honors as a junior and honorable-mention accolades as a sophomore.
“Megan has a killer rise ball that is the best I’ve seen at any showcase this year,” said Jakubowski. “In addition, she is learning the game from one of the best high school coaches anywhere in Shelly Monas.”
Dragon was named Ashtabula Edgewood’s Rookie of the Year as a freshman and Co-MVP as a sophomore. She has been just as impressive academically, receiving the Star Beacon Scholar-Athlete award three times. A member of the honor roll, Dragon also received the Ashtabula County Women’s Scholar-Athlete award. She has been awarded all-conference academic honors every year.
Gannon begins its first season as a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) next spring. The Lady Knights have qualified for three of the last four NCAA Division II Tournaments and won the 2007 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) championship. The squad concluded the 2008 season with a 28-23 record, marking the program’s 19th consecutive winning season.