More former Junior Dawgs returning to Okotoks for collegiate squad

Wednesday January 27, 2016

Three more former Dawgs Academy players will be back in Okotoks next summer as collegiate members.

Pitcher Graeme Cherry, along with infielder JT Patterson of Northeastern Junior College, and Doug Clapperton from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, are returning to Seaman Stadium to spend next summer playing for the Dawgs.

Graeme Cherry, Northeastern Junior College, LHP
Cherry, a left-handed pitcher, was a five-year J Dawg and frontline pitcher. Cherry has tremendous control and will be given every chance to succeed while spending his freshman year in Colorado.

JT Patterson, Northeastern Junior College, INF
While Patterson is primarily a third baseman, he can play a utility role around the infield if needed. The thirdbaseman has good power and will look to see if he can replicate the huge numbers former Dawg (and current Red Sox prospect) Jordan Procyshen put up at Northeastern.

JT’s older brother, Blake, played in Okotoks for parts of two years, so the younger Patterson will carry on the family name with the Dawgs.

Doug Clapperton, University of Texas of the Permian Basin, OF
Next year, the Dawgs can field an homegrown outfield lineup of Brendan Rose, Garrett Kirkwood and newly signed Doug Clapperton. Clapperton joins the Dawgs for his first summer from the University of Texas of the Permain Basin.

The junior outfielder spent his first two college seasons at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. In his sophomore year, Clapperton played in 38 games, recording 15 RBIs, 34 hits and a .268 average. His 17 steals and 27 runs were good for second on the team, proving his baserunning prowess.

His first college year in 2013-2014, Clapperton put up 34 hits, 15 RBIs, 10 steals, 24 runs and a .368 average on a powerhouse team. He played with Jordan Peterson that year, a former Dawgs outfielder.

DAWGS ACADEMY RETURNING
Cherry, Patterson and Clapperton join Northeastern teammate Nick Vickers, plus other former Academy players in Brendan Rose, CJ Lewington, Drake Kirkwood and Garrett Kirkwood. It’s one of the biggest crops of former J Dawgs to graduate to the summer squad ever.

Northeastern is possibly the most well-connected school to the Dawgs, as five Academy players are currently there and two more have committed for next season. Each year, the Dawgs’ summer roster has included at least one player from NJC.