MODESTO, Calif. --- Biola Baseball's strong start to the current recruiting cycle was already evident several months ago when Wyatt Thames' verbal commitment was posted on social media. 

An outfielder with plus-grade athleticism, Thames capabilities were clearly ready for the college game by  his junior year in high school. And his academic accomplishments alongside his church involvement make him a great fit for the Biola community and values of the Head Coach Jeff Calhoon's program. 

"Wyatt was our first commit in this class. He is an elite-level student and high IQ player who has the ability to come and push our outfield right away," said Coach Calhoon. "Wyatt continues to improve every time we see him play and comes from a high level club program [CBA Marlins]. So I am excited to see what the next four years have in store for Wyatt and his family within our program."

Thames' maturity as a baseball player and young man has been evident for several years. He served as a team captain on his junior varsity team as a freshman and then had a seamless transition to the varsity squad as a sophomore, earning All-West Sierra League first team honors. 

The outfielder was absolutely stellar when the Coalinga Horned Toads made him the starting center fielder and penciled him into the leadoff position in the order. Thames made zero errors in the field and hit .380 with 10 extra-base hits over the course of 23 games in 2019, garnering a nomination for League Underclassman of the Year while on a 12-11 team. But there's a legitimate case to say that Thames' production during the abbreviated 2020 season might be more eye-catching.

In the 10 games he was able to play after verbally committing to Biola, Thames posted a .571 batting average, 14 runs scored and an incredible 21 stolen bases in 23 attempts according to MaxPreps.com. 

"Wyatt is a tremendous athlete who has the ability to do something every time he plays that makes people stop and watch," added coach CJ Baker. "He couples great speed with good power and I think Wyatt projects as a top outfielder in our conference. He's yet another kid that has attended our camps and had tremendous success."

Speaking of complementary capabilities, Thames has also been excellent in the classroom and he has the academic recognitions to show for it. On top of earning CSF membership and multiple honor roll nominations, Thames was a silver medalist in an academic decathlon and a finalist in the Forestry Challenges during his underclassman years at Coalinga High. He plans to major in Biochemistry at Biola and eventually pursue a career in pharmacology after collecting a Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science award and Department of Education Top Academic awards over the last three years. 

Understandably, Biola's reputable Alton and Lydia Lim Center for Science, Technology and Health was a major draw for Thames scientific aspirations. But the university's commitment to the gospel and spiritual development also offered a great fit for Thames in light of his public service and church involvement. 

Thames served in a leadership role for his Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter in addition to participating in his church youth group, serving meals to those in need and volunteering in environmental rehabilitation. 

"I chose Biola University because of the amazing coaching staff, great players, and welcoming community that Biola offers," said Thames. "I am excited to contribute to the "Decade Of Dominance", make new friends, and continue my relationship with the Lord."
 
Wyatt Thames will join the Eagles after he graduates from Big Valley Christian School. More information on the rest of the student-athletes that will join him at Biola in 2021-22 can be found on the Committed Athletes page.