Bowling Green State University Athletics
Falcons Sign Four To Letters Of Intent
January 18, 2002 | Softball
Jan. 18, 2002
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Bowling Green State University softball head coach Leigh Ross-Shaw has announced the signing of four student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Natalie Armintrout, Abby Habicht, Lindsay Heimrich and Gina Rango will join the Falcons for the 2002-03 academic year.
"I think this may be the strongest overall class that we have signed in an early period," said Ross-Shaw. "These four really fit the BGSU softball mold. They are hard workers with great attitudes and tons of athletic ability. I am very excited that they are joining us next fall."
Armintrout, a native of Johnstown, Ohio, currently attends Johnstown Monroe High School. A catcher, she has earned all-league first-team honors in each of her first three years, and was an All-Ohio Second-Team pick last year. Also last season, Armintrout helped her team to a league title. She also plays for the Heart of Ohio Express summer team.
"Natalie is one of the best-kept secrets in Ohio," said Ross-Shaw. "With a powerful arm and a solid bat, she could become a strong presence behind the plate."
Habicht, a native of Edwardsburg, Mich., currently attends Edwardsburg High School. A catcher/utility player, she has earned all-conference honors in each of her first three seasons, including last year's first-team honor. Habicht also has earned all-district honors, and twice has garnered academic all-state honors as well. She plays summer ball for the Grand Rapids Blaze.
"Abby's all-around athletic ability will allow her to play many positions," said Ross-Shaw. "She is capable of catching, playing long infield or playing outfield. Abby is very strong and has a great attitude, and is a great addition to our program."
Heimrich, a native of Whitehouse, Ohio, currently attends Anthony Wayne High School. A pitcher/first baseman, she was an All-Ohio First-Team selection as a junior after earning second-team all-state honors the year prior. Heimrich has captured all-league and all-district honors in each of the last two seasons, and helped her team to the semifinal round of the Division I state championship. She plays summer ball for the Lady Lasers.
"Lindsay is one of the top pitchers in the state of Ohio," said Ross-Shaw. "She will be a nice addition to our pitching staff not only because of her solid pitching, but also due to the fact that she is left-handed. Lindsay will also work at first base."
Rango, a native of North Lima, Ohio, currently attends Boardman High School. A third baseman/pitcher, she was a first-team all-state pick last year after helping her team to the Division I state championship. Rango, who was an all-state second-team pick as a sophomore, has earned All-Northeast Ohio and All-Steel Valley Conference honors in each of her first three years. She plays for the Ohio Bandits in the summer.
"Gina has a great presence on the field, with a real take-charge mentality," said Ross-Shaw. "She has good power at the plate and is very aggressive on the field. Gina will definitely make an immediate impact, not only at BGSU, but in the MAC."
The Falcons finished the 2001 season with an overall record of 35-19, tying for the second-highest win total in school history. BGSU won the MAC's East Division with a league record of 19-5. Ross-Shaw was named the MAC Coach of the Year, and BGSU also boasted the league's player of the year (Nikki Rouhana) and four all-league first-team selections.
BGSU SOFTBALL SIGNEES
Name Ht. Pos. B/T Hometown (High School) Natalie Armintrout 5-8 C R/R Johnstown, Ohio (Johnstown Monroe) Abby Habicht 5-7 C/Util. R/R Edwardsburg, Mich. (Edwardsburg) Lindsay Heimrich 5-5 P/1B L/L Whitehouse, Ohio (Anthony Wayne) Gina Rango 5-8 3B/P R/R North Lima, Ohio (Boardman)
