Barron Collier's Dylan Doria, Henry Schave commit to West Virginia Wesleyan

Barron Collier junior baseball player Dylan Doria says he wants to challenge himself by moving away from Southwest Florida and playing college ball far away from home.

He recently found that new home, verbally committing to play college baseball at Division II West Virginia Wesleyan College. The school is located in tiny Buckhannon, West Virginia, a town of just under 6,000 people. Joining Doria there will be senior pitcher Henry Schave, who also committed to the school after visiting the campus with Doria recently.

"I've always wanted to go off on my own, see a different part of the country, see how I'd do away from home," Doria said. "And this is a place where I can do that. I absolutely love the campus. It's totally different than what I'm used to, but that's what I wanted."

While visiting the campus, Doria was greeted by an old teammate and friend - Jack Bueltel, who is on the West Virginia University football team. Bueltel made the 45-minute drive from Morgantown to see his old friends.

"Jack and I go way back, we've played football together, baseball together, just a great guy," he said. "It will be nice to have him around close by. Same with (Schave). I'll have people I know already up there, so that will make the transition easier."

Barron Collier coach Charlie Maurer says this opportunity will be a good one for both Doria and Schave, who is just now coming into his own as a pitcher.

"(Schave) has everything you want in a pitcher, he's got good stuff, good size, he's projectable," Maurer said. "He just lacks some experience. With the depth we've had pitching-wise, he hasn't gotten as many opportunities as he may have, although we've gotten him out there a lot more this year. He's one of those kids that I could see dominating at this level if he continues to improve."

As for Doria, Maurer has no doubts his jack of all trades utility player will succeed. Doria usually starts in right field for the Cougars, but he's the backup catcher to starter Johnny Long, and has also played multiple infield spots. Doria was behind the plate in Tuesday night's 10-0 win over Immokalee, a night where Cougars pitcher Connor Phelan threw a five-inning perfect game.

"You look at Dylan, and he's not the biggest kid, he's not the fastest kid," Maurer said. "But he's always in the right spot for you, because he knows the game so well. Very fundamentally sound player. And there's no one else you'd rather have up in a big spot than Dylan Doria."

Doria says his versatility should only help him as he gets ready to play college baseball.

"I basically go wherever the coach wants me to play, and that's how I've always been," Doria, son of former Golden Gate baseball coach Mario Doria, said. "I've grown up around the game, which gives me a bit of an advantage on some of the other kids I play with and against. I've seen it all, experienced it all. But there's always ways to keep improving. Baseball is such a mental grind, you need to keep finding ways to stay mentally tough."