ASHFORD BASEBALL SIGNS FIVE PLAYERS

Ashford University Baseball Coach Bob Koopmann has announced the signing of five baseball players.  These prospects will join the Ashford University Saints’ program for fall 2006.

The class includes Goose Lake native Travis Mohr.  Mohr will graduate from Northeast High School next week.  Coach Koopmann said, “Travis will be a great addition to our team.  He has the potential to be very successful at Ashford.  He will be counted on to pitch and will have a chance to swing the bat and play a position as well.”  He is the son of Stu and Stacy Mohr and plans to major in business administration.

Derek Truninger, Clinton, IA, who attended Northeast High School along with Mohr join the team and help in the Saints’ outfield.  According to Koopmann, “Derek is the type of player that any coach would love to have because he has the talent, but just as important, Derek loves the game.”  He is the son of Mark and Gina Truninger and plans to major in elementary education.

Another recruit is Kyle Mantick from Peoria, IL.  Mantick will also participate in soccer at Ashford.  He is the son of Debby and Dennis Mantick.  Dennis is a former major league ballplayer for the Minnesota Twins.  Koopmann stated, “We are counting on Kyle to come in here and have an immediate impact both offensively and defensively as a middle infielder.”  Mantick plans to major in Sports and Recreation.

Adam Versendaal, Grinnell, IA, is a left-handed pitcher from Grinnell High School. Koopmann states that “Versendaal is going to contribute on the mound immediately and like Mohr will have a chance to play a position.”  He is the son of Andre and Lori Versendal and will major in business. 

John Trail, Byron, IL, is a catcher from Byron High School.  Koopmann said, “John will compete for a starting position as our catcher.  He is very sound defensively and he looks like he can swing the bat with some authority.”  Trail plans to major in elementary education.

Koopmann is excited about these incoming players, saying, “We are counting on these players to contribute right away as freshmen.  We still need to sign about six more players to add to this group.”  The Saints are coming off a record-breaking 2006 season where they set a school record with 23 wins.