The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack baseball team has tapped into the Calgary baseball market in recent years for recruits. That trend continues as head coach Ray Chadwick looks to fill holes on his Canadian Collegiate Baseball Conference team for the fall. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="427"] Ray Chadwick (Andrew Snucins photo)[/caption] Chadwick is pleased to announce that 6’1” Duncan Elgert has agreed to attend TRU and will be taking courses aimed at achieving a Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Visual Arts. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="342"] WolfPack recruit Duncan Elgert (photo submitted)[/caption] “I chose TRU as my school of choice because I was fascinated with the fine arts and baseball programs,” said Elgert, who plays all three ‘base’ positions as well as catches and pitches. “Coach Ray Chadwick and academic advisor Charlene Munro helped me learn more about the school and their programs. After I met both of them, I was very impressed. The school has great facilities especially for a student athlete and the climate is always inviting. The residences were also larger than many of the other schools.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="512"] Elgert on the mound (Andrew Snucins photo)[/caption] Elgert looked at a number of universities including Lethbridge, Calgary, Winnipeg, Vancouver Island University and Douglas College. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640"] Elgert in the batters box (photo submitted)[/caption] Elgert will be graduating this month from Springbank Community High School. He plays for the Calgary “AA” Blues. “My strengths as a player would be that I am versatile, have a good understanding of the game, make good play making decisions under pressure, and have solid hitting and pitching mechanics from years of good coaching and practice.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640"] Miki Kawahara is the Technical Director for Babe Ruth Calgary (photo submited)[/caption] Miki Kawahara is his travel coach and the technical director of Babe Ruth Calgary. “I have had the pleasure of coaching Duncan the last four years. Of all the players that I have worked with over that time period, Duncan is one of the most dedicated students of the game. He is constantly learning and asking questions to further his development.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640"] Elgert playing the infield (photo submitted)[/caption] He adds: “Physically suited to pitching, Duncan has continued to work extremely hard to develop his defensive skills as a catcher and second baseman in our league. He has invested time into his swing and wants to progress as an impact offensive player. I think his diverse defensive abilities to speak to his athleticism and desire to contribute to his league team in any way possible.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="427"] Nelson Lipszyk is entering his second full season with the Pack (Andrew Snucins photo)[/caption] One of his former minor baseball teammates will be entering his third season with the WolfPack in 2015-16: pitcher Nelson Lipszyc. “Duncan has always been a hard worker both on and off the field. He is always a tough out at the plate and is a solid player on both sides of the ball. He has a great attitude and I am sure he will fit in with the rest of the guys here.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640"] Elgert catching (photo submitted)[/caption] Elgert has played at Norbrock Stadium before: at the Best of the West tournament. “My Calgary Babe Ruth Blues “AAA” team won the 2015 Midget/Jr. Premier 18U Classic this spring going 6-0.” He adds “I am extremely excited to be coming to TRU this fall to follow both my passions, art and baseball. This is something that I have hoped and worked for over the last number of years.” [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640"] Elgert walks to batters box (photo submitted)[/caption] EXTRA INNINGS: Kawahara on Elgert’s dedication: “Duncan has been extremely dedicated to his strength and conditioning program over the past few years and approaches his physical preparation with the same diligent work ethic that he applies to his skill development. As a young man with exceptional character, Duncan will be a wonderful representative of the Babe Ruth program here while attending TRU.”