The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

Whiting, Ind. – Jan. 15, 2018 – Before Brandon Petkoff heads south to begin his collegiate career at Texas A&M Corpus Christi in the fall of 2018, the current Lincoln-Way East two-sport standout will have a chance to face collegiate competition while staying close to home over the summer.

Petkoff, a left-handed hitting utility infielder, has been added to the 2018 Oilmen roster. He was referred to the Oilmen by Brian Forystek, who coached Petkoff with the Chicago Elite.

“After doing my research on the team, I felt this would be a great opportunity to get ready for next fall,” Petkoff said. “I’m very excited about the chance to play at the college level with the Oilmen over the summer.”

Petkoff, one of the top infielders in the state of Illinois according to Prep Baseball Report, is also the starting shooting guard for Lincoln-Way East’s basketball team.

“My strengths are definitely my hitting ability and my speed,” he said. “I love to run the bases. Any time I get on base, I’m looking to run. I am currently working to improve my fielding capabilities and arm strength. I have experience at every infield position.”

Petkoff will become the latest in a long line of Oilmen players to compete in a summer in the MCL before beginning his collegiate career. He recognizes the value of the summer season as he prepares to make the transition to the collegiate ranks.

“It’s definitely going to be different,” he said. “Everybody is going to be bigger, better and stronger than what I’m used to in high school. Playing at the college level, everyone is going to be at their best. The Oilmen season will get me ready for that next step and for what my future is going to hold.”

Paul Babcock, the head coach at Lincoln-Way East in 2017 during Petkoff’s junior season, described the current senior as versatile, fast and athletic.

“He’s a quiet kid who works hard,” Babcock said. “He keeps his nose to the grindstone. I have him in study hall this year, and he’s a kid who shows up and is always working despite being a senior. It shows that he has goals and he’s going to put the time in to achieve those goals.

Petkoff, who intends to major in engineering, owns a team-oriented mindset that coaches love to see.

“It doesn’t matter to me where I’m at or how I’m doing,” he said. “I want to look out for the team and what is in the team’s best interest. I love winning. Nothing matters to me unless we win. Any way we can win, I’ll be happy with it.”