Slippery Rock University Athletics

Potential mid-week or weekend (conference game) starter this spring ... Also a candidate for reliever role ... Has potential to be an impact pitcher if he can stay healthy ... Spring 2009: .Had 4-1 record and 4.15 ERA ... Appeared in eight games and started four ... Struck out 27 and walked nine in 21.2 innings ... Combined with Brett Vescovi to throw the only shutout recorded by The Rock, a 10-0 whitewashing of Bluefield State (W. Va.) March 22 at Jack Critchfield Park ... Summer 2008: Made one start and had 1-1 record with 2.61 ERA as a member of the Tradewater Pirates of the Kentucky-Illinois-Tennessee (“Kitty”) League ... Struck out 10 batters in 10.3 innings ... Before The Rock: Transferred from NCAA Division I Winthrop University ... Spring 2008: Compiled 4.10 ERA as a relief specialist at Winthrop ... Appeared in 20 games, all in relief ... Struck out 19, walked 10 and allowed 29 hits in 26.1 innings ... Before The Rock: Transferred from Division I Winthrop University ... 2007: Redshirted at Winthrop ... High school: Was ranked among the top 25 players in western Pennsylvania in preseason prior to senior season ... Earned WPIAL Quad-A all-star status in final season ... Two-time all-section performer ... Also a three-time AAU All-Star ...Three-sport athlete ... Lettered three seasons in baseball and two in basketball ... Also played golf ... Received school’s “Outstanding Student-Athlete Award” ... Earned High Honor Roll status in classroom ... Personal: Michael Thomas Ritson ... Son of Tom and Margie Ritson ... Will pitch for Beckley (W. Va.) in 2010 Prospect League summer wood-bat competition ...Health and safety major.