Grant's Lucas to play in Italy

Nathan Lucas, a junior at Grant, has been selected by USA Athletes International to play 16 baseball games in Italy in Aug. 2008.

Lucas is one of 16 high school juniors selected from three states (Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin) to represent USAAI in this annual International event.

"I am extremely honored and excited about this opportunity," Lucas said. "Being able to compete internationally and tour Italy will be a great experience. I look forward to learning and growing from this trip."

Lucas started at third base for Grant's varsity as a sophomore last spring.

USAAI is a non-profit organization dedicated since 1992 to giving amateur athletes and coaches the opportunity to participate in International Olympic style sporting events throughout the world, while also allowing them to broaden their educational and cultural knowledge of the world through the experience.

Stroup signs with NIU: Grant senior pitcher Kyle Stroup officially signed his national letter of intent with Northern Illinois University this week.

Stroup is a two-time all-conference selection. During his junior season, the 6-foot-6, 235-pound right-hander went 5-2 with a 2.04 ERA. Stroup completed 4 starts, chalked up a save and struck out 71 batters in 61½ innings while yielding 21 hits and 15 walks.

At the plate, Stroup hit .425, slugged .779 and totaled 13 doubles, 5 home runs and 28 RBI.