2006 - 2007

Andrew Tilka Commits to Bethune-Cookman University

Falcon Sophomre, Andrew Tilka (Venice, FL), has chosen to continue his athletic and academic future at Bethune-Cookman University.

"I am thrilled that BCU has given Andrew the opportunity to attend the MEAC powerhouse despite a season ending injury," says Head Coach Tim Touma. "Head Coach Mervyl Melendez and pitching coach Joel Sanchez will be getting a great person in Andrew who will have three years of eligability at the Division 1 level." "By Andrew deciding to stay in Daytona with BCU allows us to keep our relationship off the field and follow his career from the stands."

Andrew will be joining his former Daytona State Falcon teammate Phil Enright on the mound for the Wildcats in 2008.

Falcons Continue Academic Success in the Classroom

Falcons Earn a 3.46 Overall G.P.A.
The Falcon baseball team has accumulated a team GPA above 3.0 for the 9th consecutive semester. This semester's 3.52 marks the second highest team GPA in Coach Touma's six years as head coach. Academic success has become the standard among baseball players at Daytona State Collge.

-24 of the 27 members earned a GPA of 3.0 or better.
-14 players earned better than a 3.5 GPA.

Bubley Commits to Florida Atlantic University

Falcon Sophomre, Troy Bubley (Ft. Myers, FL), has chosen to continue his athletic and academic future at Florida Atlantic University.

"I am thrilled at this opportunity for Troy and his family," says Falcons Head Coach, Tim Touma. "Troy exemplafies what Falcon baseball is all about, a former walk-on, to a two year starter at three infield positions, a great G.P.A. and probably the most valuable player on the 2007 team.
Troy is a class person and has improved his game through hard work and dedication, yet contiues to show the team first attitude."

Troy is the second Falcon to commit to FAU and Head Coach Kevin Cooney and Assistant Coach John McCormack this season. Troy will joining Sophomore Pitcher Chris Schmitt as future Owls in 2008.

Five Sophomores Make Plans For Their Futures

November 15, 2006
Five Sophomores from the 2007 Daytona State College baseball team have signed national letters of intent for next year.

Head Coach, Tim Touma gives credit to his players' hard work, on and off the field in helping them make their decisions. "We knew this was a special group of young men when we received their commitments to come to Daytona Beach," says Touma. "Their excellence in the classroom and hard work on the field has led to their accomplishments. Our job is to help get guys to the next level, this group of student-athletes was special because they made it so easy."

-Colin Arnold -- Central Florida
-Mike Gatlin -- NC State
-Chris Schmitt -- Florida Atlantic
-Tommy Shovlin -- South Carolina-Upstate
-Eric Thomas -- Bethune-Cookman

Colin Arnold (Palm Beach Gardens, FL/ Kings Academy) started all 44 games in right field for the Falcons as a freshman. Colin's .325 avg. and 5 HRs earned him 2006 2nd Team All-Conference honors.

Mike Gatlin (Flushing, MI/ Flushing HS) earned 2006 All-Conference Designated Hitter as a freshman. Gatlin walked on to the 2006 team and started 32 games and hit .383 with 5 HRs.

Chris Schmitt (Delray Beach, FL/ Atlantic Community HS) started 11 games for the 2006 falcons on the mound. Schmitt threw 1 CG with only 18 BBs to go along with 42 Ks in 56.2 innings.

Tommy Shovlin (Merritt Island, FL/ Cocoa Beach HS) earned 2006 All-Conference honors while starting all 44 games in left field. Shovlin collected 60 hits for a .335 avg., and 7 HRs while batting lead-off for the Falcons.

Eric Thomas (Gainesville, FL/ Bucholz HS) earned 2nd Team All-Conference honors while collecting a record of 7-4 in 12 starts on the mound. Thomas's 63 Ks in 75.2 innings were second most on the 2006 staff.

Three Former Falcons Selected in 2007 MLB Draft

June 9, 2007 -
Three former Falcon baseball players were selected in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft.

Alan Farina (Chuluota, FL / Clemson) was selected with the 115th overall selection in the 3rd Round by the Toronto Blue Jays. Farina played at Daytona State from 2005-2006, and was named Mid-Florida Conference Pitcher of the Year (2006), First Team All-Mid-Florida Conference (2006), First Team All-State (FCCAA 2006) before playing his Junior year at Clemson University. Farina is the second highest Falcon Draft Choice behind Chase Fontaine (72nd overall, Atlanta Braves, 2006).

Marquez Smith (Ocala, FL / Clemson)was chosen with the 247th overall selection in the 8th round by the Chicago Cubs. Smith was the Mid-Florida Conference player of the year in 2005, First Team All-Mid-Florida Conference, and First Team All-State (FCCAA 2005) before playing his Junior and Senior years at Clemson University. Smith was also drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 2006 MLB Draft in the 35th round with the 1,049th pick, but chose to return to Clemson for his Senior year.
Colin Arnold (Palm Beach Gardens, FL) was picked by the New York Yankees in the 47th Round with the 1,390th pick. Colin has also signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Central Florida in 2008. Colin was named Second Team All-Mid-Florida Conference for both of his seasons at Daytona State College as well as the Male Student Athlete of the Year with a 3.71 GPA in 2007.