Lance Buitendyk, a highly recruited shortstop from West Catholic High School, has decided to continue his education and play baseball for Grand Valley State University next fall.

Buitendyk, who led West Catholic to the State Divison 2 Finals in 2010, was a First Team All-Stateseclection and on the Dream Team as a Junior.

Buitendyk was recruited by several D1 schools including WMU, CMU and EMU – and more from out-of-state.

“I wanted to remain in state”, Buitendyk told West Michigan High School Baseball. “It is close to home and the facilities are fantastic”.

Buitendyk was not only impressed with the facilities, but with the coaching staff as well.

“My official visit in December went great and after spending six hours on campus visiting with Coach Lyons and Coach Dettillion I knew GVSU was the place to go!”

Buitendyk will play shortstop at GVSU and has been told he will the opportunity to battle for the job immediately.

A “2011 Player to Watch” here at West Michigan High School Baseball, Buitendyk was also a highly recruited quarterback, who led the Falcons to the State Title this fall.

“Coach Lyons simply wouldn’t allow me to play football”, said Buitendyk. “For a shortstop, I would lose to much development time and risk an injury.”

Rivals will become teammates next fall when Buitendyk joins Oakridge’s Jamie Potts, who signed with Grand Valley as well.

“Jamie and I have battled it out on both the baseball and the football field. He is an excellent athlete and competitor and it will be fun to be on the same team together.”

Buitendyk plays summer baseball with Elite Baseball in Grand Rapids and will play on Jim Abbott’s 18U Team this summer.

Buitendyk joins fellow West Michigan High School Baseball “2011 Player to Watch” Skylar Hoke, who also signed with Grand Valley.

Before he enters the collegiate ranks, Buitendyk will return for one more varsity season at West Catholic – this year with a new coach as Gary Cook takes over the program.

“I had a great relationship with Coach Bo and I was sorry to see him go”, said Buitendyk. “But Coach Cook is cool and he will definitely have us ready to play. He is old school baseball and you can feel his passion for the game.”

With 7 returning starters, West catholic should be very good this season. However, they did lose two top starting pitchers, which will put Buitendyk on the mound more often.

“I have pitched my entire career so that will be fine with me!” said Buitendyk.

West Michigan High School Baseball wishes the best of luck to Lance Buitendyk as he continues his baseball career!