Rio Grande --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm baseball team is continuing to add talent to its 2010-11 recruiting class as the time for the fall semester draws near.  The latest recruit to sign on the dotted line is David Allen Steele, Jr. of Kettering Fairmont High School.

Steele, a 6'1" 205-pound pitcher, was honorable mention all-conference (GWOC) this past season. He posted a 5-1 summer league record pitching for the Dayton Dodgers in helping them win the CABA National Championship.

Steele described signing with Rio Grande as a good fit. "It feels comfortable," he said. "I have the right attitude (feeling) about the program." 

Rio Grande's success on the field and the affordability of the school were key factors in Steele making his decision to sign with the RedStorm. "Because they have a winning program and the right price," he said. 

Rio Grande head coach Brad Warnimont believes Steele's background will help him at the NAIA level and that he should be able to give the RedStorm quality innings. "David comes from a quality program and a quality summer program," Warnimont said. "Winning the national championship in CABA proves that he can pitch at the level we need him to pitch at to compete for innings."

Steele talked about what type of player he is between the white lines. "I have a winning attitude and I'm a good sport," he said. "I always sprint on and off the field."

Steele also admitted that sometimes he is a bit a slow starter on the mound and would like to improve on that aspect of his game as he enters college. "I need to work on starting the game stronger," he said.

He plans to major in Middle Childhood Education.

Steele's goal while at Rio Grande is all about winning. "My ultimate goal is to help the team win championships," he said.

David is the son of Dave and Bobbie Steele of Kettering, Ohio.

Steele joins Kevin Logan of Central Crossing High School, Columbus Briggs High School standout Zachary Taylor, Jake Scarlato of Oak Hills High School in Cincinnati, Adena High School's Andrew Cottrill, Cameron Norman of Lancaster High School and Loren Huffman of Raceland-Worthington High School in Raceland, Ky. as the newest members of the Rio baseball program.

Rio Grande is coming off a record breaking 48-13 season in 2010 in which it appeared in the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in school history. Rio finished second in the Mid-South Conference during the regular season with a 20-7 mark. The RedStorm were champions of the MSC Tournament.  

For more news and information on the Rio baseball program and other athletic teams at the University of Rio Grande, log on to www.rioredstorm.com.