The final Athletic Signing Day event of the 2025-2026 academic year featured two ceremonies at the Ellwein Center on May 13, 2026, where Orange Lutheran honored 19 student athletes continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level.

In the second ceremony, 10 athletes from OLu's baseball program made commitments to Division 1 programs. Athletic Director Karen Kekipi welcomed the attendees and shared words celebrating the athletes and their achievements.

"This is such an amazing time to celebrate the accomplishments that you guys have worked so hard for," said Kekipi. "You got it done in the classroom and on the baseball field… I also want to take a moment to make sure that we celebrate the families… You guys did all the driving, all the meal preps, all the getting them where they needed to go so that they could reach their goal… Take a moment to soak this all in. This is such a wonderful opportunity and celebration for you all."

CJ Weinstein

Lancer baseball player CJ Weinstein has committed to continue his playing career at Louisiana State University. As a senior transfer, the middle infielder made an immediate impact upon joining OLu's baseball program. 

"You can tell he just loves the game and he loves to compete," said Farrell. "He's been really good for us offensively and defensively. He bet on himself, put faith in what he has, and I think it's really paid off for us. He's been a true impact guy for us. He doesn't shy away from big moments in anything. I think he embraces them."

Weinstein is grateful to everyone who encouraged and guided him as he reached this important milestone in his athletic career. 

"I want to thank my Dad for sacrificing countless hours to hit, work out, and just be the best Dad possible," said Weinstein. "You're my best friend, and I have no idea what I would do without you. Thank you, Mom, for being the most supportive person ever. You always put our family first, and it doesn't go unnoticed! Thank you, Cameron, for being an amazing sister to me. I'm super grateful we're siblings who are also best friends!"

Cooper Sides

Joining Weinstein is his teammate, right-handed pitcher Cooper Sides who is also headed to Louisiana State University. Also a senior transfer, Sides was looking for a new environment to prepare him for college ball and chose OLu's program.

"He's got tremendous upside on the field, but I think when a young man steps out of his comfort zone and does what he's had to do this year, you just see growth," said Farrell. "It's just amazing to see how much he put his trust in God and came down this direction. He wasn't afraid to bet on himself."

Sides has six wins on the mound for the Lancers, including winning the opening game in the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs against Santiago on May 12.

"Thank you to God for allowing this amazing opportunity," said Sides. "Thank you to my family for supporting me and sending me to the place I needed to go to help shape my future. Thank you to the people who helped me get to this point in my life. And thank you, OLu, for allowing me to be a part of the Lancer family."

Eric Zdunek

Lancer senior Eric Zdunek will be continuing his baseball career at University of Notre Dame. The senior transfer joined OLu's program and was immediately a "culture changer."

"We knew he was a guy that could hit, and he made that evident right away," said Farrell. "What we didn't know was the type of person we were getting. Just a steady, level-headed, no rollercoaster of emotion, and an ultimate team guy… Whether he's 3 for 3 on the day, 0 for 4 on the day, or somewhere in between, you always hear him positively talking about somebody else, pushing for somebody else. He's been an instant impact to our clubhouse."

"I would like to thank my family most of all," said Zdunek. "My mom, dad, and brother have supported my athletic journey throughout my whole life. Thank you to Coach RJ Farrell and the whole OLu baseball coaching staff for welcoming me this year and pushing me to be the best I can be every day."

Marcus Greis

Varsity baseball player Marcus Greis is headed to Texas Christian University to continue his athletic career. After transferring to OLu as a junior, his versatility brought him to the mound for the Lancers where he earned five wins and four saves. 

"He's one of the most versatile guys we've had in a long time," said Farrell. "We could probably put him anywhere and he can handle it… What stands out to me most about him is his personal investment in his craft. Whether it's going good that day or bad that day, he's showing up and he's going to go to work. It's going to be something that pays off in the end." 

Greis is grateful for the encouragement and support he received as he prepares for this exciting new chapter.

"I want to thank my family, as they truly have been there every step of the way, and couldn't have done it without them," said Greis. "Without the Lord, none of this would be possible."

Blake Killinger

Lancer pitcher Blake Killinger will be continuing his playing career at Loyola Marymount University. While his path at OLu has not been easy, Killinger worked himself into the rotation this season. And despite his recent injury, he is committed to returning stronger.

"A lot of guys would have checked out at this point, but he hasn't done that at all," said Farrell. "He's putting in the work to get back. The ceiling with him is way up there… We're going to be able to watch him throw that rock for a long time."

Prior to his injury, the 6'-8" right-hander had been key on the mound for OLu this season, including throwing three scoreless innings in the 2026 NHSI Championship Game.

"I'd like to thank all my family and coaches around me who have helped me get to this point," said Killinger. "Without them, none of this would be possible. I want to, most importantly, thank God for all the trials and hardships He has gotten me through. I couldn't be more grateful for all of the love and support around me."

Trevor Deack

Lancer infielder Trevor Deack will be continuing his baseball career at Utah Tech University. Described as the definition of a Lancer, the two-year varsity player had a challenging path but stayed committed to the process.

"He just continues to work and continues to get better," said Farrell. "Him sticking around and being a part of this just shows the type of person he is… He's going to be an all-conference player one day. We're going to see it happen. He values the right things. He competes the right way. When you say Lancer, we're talking about him."

Deack is grateful for the guidance, encouragement, and support that helped him reach this important milestone.

"First, I'd like to thank God for the constant blessings he has brought into my life," said Deack. "Next, I'd like to thank my family for the sacrifices they have made to put me in the position I am today. I'd also like to thank the coaches at OLu baseball for giving me a great experience with high school baseball. Lastly, I'd like to thank the coaching staff at Utah Tech for believing in me."

Gary Morse

Right-handed pitcher Gary Morse has committed to the University of Tennessee. The three-year varsity player holds the top spot for career strikeouts and single game strikeouts at OLu.

"What stands out more is the man he's become," said Farrell. "There's been some things throughout his high school career that have tested him… Just to see his connection and his growth and his wanting to be closer to God has been awesome… His faith in his teammates is amazing." 

Morse's accolades include being a two-time 1st Team All-Trinity League and 1st Team All-CIF honoree, a MaxPreps All-American, OC Pitcher of the Year, and NHSI Tournament Team selection.

"I appreciate everyone who's been part of the journey and supported me along the way," said Morse. "Thank you, Mom and Dad, family, coaches, teammates, and friends for always believing in me. I'm excited for what's next and ready to get to work. Thank you to everyone who helped me get here."

Gavin Hottle

Lancer infielder Gavin Hottle is headed to USC to continue his baseball career. A four-year varsity player for OLu, Hottle was part of the Lancers' 2024 State Championship team.

"He just continues to come to work," said Farrell. "Nothing here is given. Everything is earned. He comes to work every day for that purpose… I think he's going to be a story that we can tell the people and families that are coming for years to come. I'm excited to see what he does at the next level."

Hottle looks forward to what's ahead and is thankful for his family and his support system who helped him achieve his goals.

"I want to thank my family for sacrificing so much to allow me to chase my dreams," said Hottle. "You guys have taught me what it means to work hard, be dedicated, and have perseverance. I wouldn't be the kind of person and player that I am if it weren't for your guys' help and sacrifices along the way. For everyone who has supported me throughout my journey, I couldn't be more grateful. This is just the beginning, and I will continue to make you guys proud."

Hamilton Friedberg

Lancer outfielder Hamilton Friedberg will be continuing his baseball career at UCLA. Also a four-year varsity player for OLu, Friedberg consistently delivered timely hits and RBIs in clutch moments.

"The man is a ball player; the man is a thinker," said Farrell. "He's someone who's going to keep growing. I know he seems to doubt himself at times, but I think if he wants to, he's going to play this game of baseball for a really, really long time."

Friedberg is grateful for his family, coaches and friends who helped him reach this point.

"I want to thank God and my family for the opportunities I have been blessed with," said Friedberg. "I also want to thank RJ, the rest of the staff, and everyone else who has helped me grow as a person and as an athlete."

Brady Murrietta

Four-year varsity catcher Brady Murrietta is headed to the University of Texas to continue his baseball career. A three-time 1st Team All-Trinity League selection and a 1st Team All-CIF honoree, Murrietta was also part of the Lancers' 2024 State Championship team.

"When I think of him, I think of the word ascension," said Farrell. "I think the biggest jump… is just his role as a teammate… I think he's just done an amazing job as a teammate and a leader. The way he just goes about things is amazing… He's (leading prayer) now. I just think that shows the growth of who he is."

Murrietta is a Gold Glove Award winner, a two-time USA Baseball gold medalist, and holds a four-year varsity batting average of .324.

"I want to thank God, most importantly, for putting me in the situation I am in today," said Murrietta. "I would also like to thank Coach RJ and the whole OLu coaching staff for continually pushing me every day. I also want to give a huge thank you to Mrs. Shevlin for keeping me on the field, as well as the whole Training Room staff for their ongoing support."

Coach Farrell closed with some words for all 10 of the signees about their impact on OLu's baseball program and their new chapters ahead.

"We don't always know our path," said Farrell. "We don't always know exactly what's going to happen. But when it's time, God will reveal. Just keep your head down. Put your eyes up to the Lord, and you'll be good. "You all have a different path, but your standards are the same," continued Farrell. "Remember those. Stay with those… Whether you're a guy who just got here, or a guy who has been with us for four years, your impact's there."