One of the top athletes in West Michigan and a “2011 Player to Watch” here on West Michigan High School Baseball, Ryan Elble of East Grand Rapids High School will continue his education and play baseball at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

A four year starter at shortstop for the Pioneers, Elble was an integral part of the 2009 State Championship team.

He is also the starting quarterback for the EGR football team – and he led them to two State Championships, garnering All-State honors and the Division 3-4 Player of the Year Award as a senior.

Elble had opportunities to go to a school where he could play football and baseball, but baseball is his first love.

“I picked Miami because that was the school I had felt most comfortable at and that’s what I thought was the most important part in picking a school”, Elble told West Michigan High School Baseball.

“I also really like their whole coaching stuff; they are very easy to talk to and approachable. They have a very high academic standard which was very important to me because academics was one of the top things I looked at when it came down to choosing a school.”

East Grand Rapids head Coach Chris LaMange knows that the Miami Redhawks are getting a winner in Ryan Elble:

“The one word that describes Ryan is competitor, and that is a big reason he has won 3 State Championships in baseball and football”, LaMange told West Michigan High School Baseball.

“Ryan possesses terrific baseball instincts, especially on the base paths. He can hit for average, power (8 HR last season), and has excellent speed as well.”

Known for having one of the top athletic programs in the state, East Grand Rapids has something it hasn’t seen in a long time in Elble.

“Ryan is the first baseball player from East GR to go straight to Division 1 from high school in at least 25 years – he is an outstanding role model for future Pioneers baseball players”, LaMange said.

Recruited by Michigan State, Michigan, Ohio State and many others, Elble has always wanted to go to Miami.

“Miami was the one school I had thought that if I had an opportunity to play baseball there, I was going to take it”.

Elble, who plays for Diamonds Sports Training in the summers, has been recruited to Miami as a utility player – one that could see time in multiple positions during his time there.

“Pretty much any position they need a player for, I am willing to jump in! If I have the opportunity to be in the lineup on a given day, I am not too worried about what position it is”, said Elble.

With his offensive skills, Elble will be sure to crack the lineup for the Redhawks before long.

“Ryan is the most consistent hitter I have coached in my 15 years, and he is at his best when the game is on the line”, said Lamange.

“The Miami coaching staff will be very happy they have Ryan Elble in their program the next four years!”

Congratulations to Ryan Elble and good luck as you move on to the next level!