Baseball back in Caraynoff's college plans

By BRANT JAMES

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 8, 2000

Former Springstead High catcher Chris Caraynoff has recommitted to playing baseball at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University after assurances he will have a spot on the team, according to Eagles coach Tracy Clark.

Caraynoff, who was named the All-Hernando/Citrus first-team catcher this season, had agreed to try to join the team as a walk-on, then later decided to quit the sport and concentrate on academics. He had a 3.98 grade point average at Springstead.

A call from Embry-Riddle coach Greg Guilliams that Caraynoff could bypass the tryout process convinced him to try again, according to Clark.

"He's an excellent academic student and a great athlete, and the coach said he didn't have to worry about trying out, a spot was his," Clark said. "I had him for two years and he was great for us, and I know this will be a great opportunity for him."

Caraynoff should not yearn for familiar faces at the Daytona Beach school. Former Springstead infielder Greg Coleman will be a junior on the Eagles squad next season, and John DiBenedetto, a Springstead teammate this season, is scheduled to play at Daytona Beach Community College.

Caraynoff led all Hernando County players with a .663 on-base percentage last season, and was second in doubles (13), third in batting average (.475), fourth in slugging (.700), fifth in runs batted in (28), and sixth in hits (38).

Embry-Riddle participates in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and All-Florida Sun Conference. The Eagles finished last season 36-14 and ranked 12th in the NAIA final poll.

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