Andy Onufrak likes the direction the Wheeling Jesuit University baseball team is headed.

Which is why he'll be heading to the West Virginia school this fall.

Onufrak, a senior at Butler High School, signed a letter of intent earlier this week to play for the Cardinals.

"I really liked that team and they are starting to develop," said Onufrak, a third baseman for the Tornado. "Plus, there's a possibility to start as a freshman. I'm looking to play anywhere they need me."

After going 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI in Thursday's 8-1 victory over Shaler, Onufrak is hitting a robust .543 (19-for-35) with 14 RBI for Butler (7-6).

"The last two years, I've wanted to bat around .400, and I did," said Onufrak. "I tried to get my average over .500 this year, and I have so far."

Onufrak had shoulder surgery July 25 and underwent vigorous rehabbing sessions, which included lifting weights six days a week over the winter and in the off-season.

Now, he's lifting three times a week and working on his hitting and field ing for one hour each three times a week.

"I think he's that good of a hitter, an excellent, excellent hitter," said Tornado coach Dave Florie.

"He was hampered this year by his shoulder. He went from first base to third base. Hopefully, he won't have any arm problems in the future," he added.

Onufrak opened the season at first base for six games before moving to third base.

"It took a while to get into things, said Onufrak. "I'm more of a shortstop-second baseman, but they didn't need me there. Now, I'm really comfortable (at third base)."

When it came down to choosing a school, Onufrak admits he had higher aspirations.

"Obviously, I wanted to strive for a Division I school," said Onufrak. "But, after two years, I may try to move up to a Division I, but we'll wait and see. Division II is where I thought I'd be."

Once the varsity season is completed, Onufrak will spend the summer playing in the Tri-State Collegiate Athletic League.

"It's for kids going to play in college," said Onufrak, who will play for the Baseball Training Academy Orioles out of Robinson Township.

"We'll play about 50 games, plus some tournaments."

And that should make for a good transition to college baseball, but Onufrak won't stay satisfied.

"More or less, I want to keep working on my hitting and fielding. I just want to keep progressing in both," he said.