Kofa baseball's Owl to play at San Bernardino

In the end, Tyler Owl's college decision came down to getting out of Yuma.

Recruited by Arizona Western, California-Riverside and Cal State-San Bernardino, the Kofa third baseman signed recently to play at Cal State-San Bernardino next season.

"I just wanted to get out of Yuma and go a different path," Owl said. "I basically wanted to start over somewhere and have some fun. And that was the best opportunity that came forward."

Owl, who hit .338 for the Gila Valley Region champ Kings, also said the Coyotes (24-27) are loaded with seniors this season, meaning he could see some playing time for the D-II school.

"They were packed with a bunch seniors, so a lot of people are going to graduate," Owl said. "They're going to start off fresh with a lot of new freshman and sophomores coming in."

He added that was a big positive as well.

"That's what (coach Don Parnell) told me: a lot of new freshman coming in, there's going to be even competition all the way around," Owl said. "It gives me a chance to play."