As a junior: Was a stalwart in the Lions starting rotation. Appearing in 17 games, starting 11. Finished the season 5-4 with a 4.45 ERA. Struck out 64 batters in 82.2 innings pitched.

In junior college: Struck out 51 batters this past season and walked only 25 in 52 2/3 innings at Carl Albert State College ... As a freshman, had a 2.38 ERA in 68 innings ... recorded 57 strikeouts while walking only 21.

In high school: Was a four-year starter for Poteau HS ... holds the school-record for wins (11) and strikeouts (147) in a season ... helped lead Poteau to a 2006 state tournament appearance.

Personal: Born Novermber 4, 1986 in Tyler, Texas ... son of Wylin and Cindy Groom ... A kinesiology major ... His uncle, Buddy, pitched in 786 games over 14 seasons in Major League Baseball with six different organizations.