Jackson, Tenn. – Union University head coach Andy Rushing has added another local baseball standout to his roster for the 2002 season.

B.J. Traverse, a three-year starter for South Side High School in Jackson, has signed to play college baseball for the Bulldogs. Traverse led South Side last season with a .552 on-base percentage and was selected by his peers as the team’s most valuable player. An All-District player for the past two seasons, in addition to achieving an All-Region honorable mention for 2001,as catcher last season for the Hawks, Traverse threw out 50% of would-be-base stealers while hitting an impressive .402 at the plate. He finished the season ranked in the top four in each of the team’s offensive categories.

"B.J. is a great student athlete who will give us depth at the catching position," commented Coach Rushing.