UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – Saginaw Valley State University men's basketball coach Randy Baruth announced today (Tuesday, Nov. 20) the signing of 6-foot-6 forward Wade Gelhaus (New Weston, Ohio/Fort Recovery HS), 6-foot-5 forward Jonathon Marosi (Ada, Mich./Grand Rapids Catholic Central HS) and 6-foot-6 forward Calvin Turnage II (Ypsilanti, Mich./Milan HS) to National Letters of Intent to join the Cardinals for the 2013-14 academic year.
"We are excited to add CJ, Wade, and Jon to the SVSU Basketball family," said Baruth. "All three of them are great players and more importantly, they are young men of character and will help us as we continue to build our program culture."
Wade Gelhaus
A two-year player for Fort Recovery High School under coach Brian Patch, Gelhaus had a breakout junior season for the Indians, earning First Team All-State, Co-District "Player of the Year," MAC "Player of the Year," and First Team All-MAC accolades. He helped Fort Recovery to a 20-3 overall record and the to district championship game in the state tournament. As a sophomore, Wade named First Team All-MAC as he helped guide the Indians to the second round of the state tournament.
"Wade is a good basketball player, but an even better person. As hard as Wade has worked in the gym, he has done the same in the classroom. He has had a lot of success in high school and looks to continue that at SVSU. SVSU and Coach Baruth are a great fit for Wade, and we are excited that he can continue his career at a great institution, and a program on the rise." – Brian Patch, Head Coach Ft. Recovery High School
"Wade has a good skill set combined with athleticism. He's very fundamentally sound and plays with a motor. He has a good shooting touch that will allow us to stretch the floor in our system." – Coach Baruth
Jon Marosi
A three-year player for Grand Rapids Catholic Central under coach Dan Farrell, Marosi followed up his strong sophomore season with Grand Rapids Press Dream Team honorable mention and all-conference honors. As a sophomore, Marosi also garnered Sophomore All-State Bank-Hoop accolades.
"All of us at Catholic Central High School are excited for Jon's opportunity to play for Saginaw Valley State University next season. Jon is an outstanding student-athlete who has played on our varsity team for the last three seasons. Jon is a great scorer who has the ability to knock down the outside shot and attack the basket." – Dan Farrell Head Coach Grand Rapids Catholic Central
"Jon is one of the better shooters in his class. At his height and size, Jon's ability to stretch the floor will give the other team's power forwards trouble on defense. Jon also brings a toughness to the team that will help in rebounding and on defense." – Coach Baruth
Calvin Turnage II
A three-year player for head coach Josh Tropea at Milan High School, Turnage averaged 14 points per game despite only seeing action in the fourth quarter of five contests in 2011-12 as he led Milan to an 18-3 overall record. He earned All-State honorable mention, First Team All-Huron League, First Team Monroe News and First Team Ann Arbor News honors in 2011-12. During his sophomore season Turnage received First Team All Huron League, First Team Monroe News and First Team Ann Arbor News accolades. As a freshman he was named First Team All-Huron League.
"CJ is a highly skilled player and can play multiple positions. Physically, CJ has a college ready body. He has the ability to play the 1-4 on offense and we believe he could be a big matchup problem for opponents. " – Coach Baruth