Cassville Democrat: High School Sports: Cavness signs with WWU (11/22/11)

Cavness will continue baseball career Democrat Photo/Lindsay Reed Cassville High School senior John Cavness signed a national letter of intent to play baseball at William Woods University in Fulton next year. Cavness is pictured in the front row at center along with his parents, Sue and Joe Cavness. In the back row, from left, are: Jody Cavness, John's older brother; Cassville baseball coach Kyle Wood; WWU head baseball coach Darren Munns; WWU assistant coach Craig McAndrews; and Terry Jamieson, Cassville Middle School principal and former CHS athletic director. [Order this photo]

Darren Munns, head baseball coach at William Woods University in Fulton, has announced the signing of John Cavness, of Cassville. Cavness, a versatile left-handed pitcher and first baseman, is a solid addition to an Owls program that is rising to the top of the NAIA's American Midwest Conference.

Cavness, who is a senior at Cassville High School, will join a William Woods team that has improved steadily since Munns took the reins for the 2006 season.

In 2011, the Owls posted a 36-18 record, setting a school record for wins. William Woods won their conference tournament and then won two games in the 2011 NAIA National Championships. Five Owls were selected first team All-Conference, and pitcher Alex Cann was named to the NAIA All-American first team.

Cavness, the top pitcher in the Cassville Wildcats rotation, has amassed a solid resume' in his two years with the Wildcats varsity unit. He has appeared in 21 games, with a 9-5 record that includes three shutouts. Cavness has also recorded 22 saves while posting a 2.70 ERA.

At the plate, Cavness has hit a healthy .396 for his career. His 53 hits include 15 doubles and a pair of home runs.

"I am excited to see what John will do on the mound this year," said Cassville baseball coach Kyle Wood. "I think John will be very successful at William Woods. I feel like we have only scratched the surface on what he is capable of. He has a ton of natural talent, and once he gets in a collegiate program, he will only get bigger and stronger and more knowledgeable about the game of baseball.

"I am very proud of John and his accomplishments thus far, and I am excited to see what he will do his senior year," Wood added.

Cavness, who also plays basketball at CHS, is the son of Joe and Sue Cavness, of Cassville.