Two Hamilton County baseball players announced their commitments to Division I schools last week.
Oliverio commits to Indiana State
Fishers junior-to-be Dominic Oliverio committed to play baseball at Indiana State University last week.
Oliverio is a two-sport athlete for the Tigers, as he also a running back on the school’s football team. He is the son of Kevin and Natalie Oliverio, and has two sisters, Taylor and Piper. Dominic plays summer baseball for the Evoshield Midwest Canes. His baseball mentor is Matt Bair, the head coach of Anderson University; Bair coached Oliverio for many years when he was younger.
Oliverio said he is “very excited and beyond blessed to get the opportunity” to play Division I baseball at Indiana State.
Fishers junior-to-be Dominic Oliverio has committed to play baseball at Indiana State University. Oliverio, also a football player for the Tigers, plans to major in education. (Photo provided)
“This was one of my goals since I was very little,” said Oliverio. “I wouldn’t have gotten to this point without some phenomenal coaches along the way, teammates to push me and a family that made a lot of sacrifices taking me all over the country to chase my dream. I can’t wait to get to work!”
Oliverio picked Indiana State for a number of reasons, including the programs in what he wants to study; he plans to major in education and wants to work with special needs children. Oliverio also cited the coaching staff and facilities, and the fact that the Sycamores play a competitive Division I schedule.
Oliverio also wanted to stay close to home, as he is close with his family. Oliverio had several Division I offers, but felt that ISU was the best fit for him. Now, he can also focus on his next two years at Fishers.
“I’m looking forward to continue to play ball with the guys I’ve known since I was little,” said Oliverio. “The goal is to compete every day and to win conference and state championships in football and baseball over the next couple years. The situation with the virus has helped me realize that time is flying by and I must make the most out of my opportunities in the classroom and on the field(s).”
“Dom is a special baseball talent,” said Fishers coach Matthew Cherry. “We are very excited for him on his commitment to Indiana State. Dom is a top tier hitter, who is versatile on defense being able to play anywhere on the diamond.”
Cherry noted that as a freshman, Oliverio competed against top varsity pitchers that were two or three years older than him.”
“He has gap-to-gap power and does a great job of making adjustments within each at bat,” said Cherry. “I was excited to see his growth as a player this past spring before we were shut down due to the Pandemic. I know he has had a great summer thus far and believe his growth over the next two years will continue to prepare him for a very strong college career.”
Markle commits to Butler University
Quentin Markle, a senior-to-be at Westfield and member of Indiana Bulls Baseball, has verbally committed to continuing his athletic and academic careers at Butler University upon graduation next spring.
“Every interaction I’ve had with Butler during this process has been awesome,” Markle said. “I have played with or against several of the guys on the team. My family loves Butler and has basketball season tickets, too, so they’re excited I won’t be too far.”
Markle, a 5-foot-9, 170-pound, right-handed outfielder, offers a strong bat and arm with speed on the field, and adds a positive energy as a teammate off of it.
Westfield senior-to-be Quentin Markle has committed to play baseball at Butler University. (Photo provided)
“Quentin checks all the boxes that a coach is looking for: coachability, great body language, he enjoys the game and is a tremendous teammate,” Troy Droesche, Markle’s Indiana Bulls 17U White team coach said. “He’s going to have a bright future in baseball and life because of his strong desire to improve every day. Quentin’s a competitor who will add versatility to any roster and do whatever is asked of him in the best interest of the team.”
Markle has been a member of the Bulls, Indiana’s premier amateur baseball program, for two years. He credits the organization’s high-level coaching, strong competition and exposure through top tournaments and events in helping him reach his dream of playing college baseball.
“The Bulls have made an impact and my coaches have done so much to help in my development,” Markle said. “Playing for the Bulls has been everything I’d hoped for. The players are serious enough to where it’s really enjoyable, competitive and a great place to develop. Having the support of the Bulls family has been huge.”
Although this year’s high school season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Westfield High School head baseball coach Ryan Bunnell is looking forward to having Markle back as one of his team leaders in 2021.
“Quentin is a coachable hard worker who’s always been driven to improve all areas of his game,” Bunnell said. “He brings energy to the diamond every day and has an infectious personality that makes a great impact on the clubhouse. I know he’s only going to keep getting better.”