Quincy University Early Signings

Quincy University: "HAWK BASEBALL ANNOUNCES EARLY SIGNINGS"

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(Quincy, Illinois) The Quincy University baseball team recently announced the signing of six players during the annual early signing period. Joining the Hawks next season will be Drake Austin, Jacob Birlingmair, Curran Collins, Peter Cunningham, Matt Fishman and Nick Scarfino.

"This is a great sign for the program. The six players are the most in an early signing period in program history and is a tribute to the great work Coach Brandon DeJaynes did," said Quincy head coach Brian Unger. "All of these players have a chance to make an instant impact on next year's team. This was an important time for us because we lose so many quality players after this year, so we needed to fill a lot of holes."

Birlingmair is a left-handed catcher and outfielder from Normal West High School. Last season he helped his team to a Conference Championship and was named to the High Honor Role and National Honor Society.

"We are very excited to welcome Jacob to the Hawks. He is a great athlete who can play outfield and catch," said Unger. "He has a great left-handed stroke at the plate and runs extremely well. We look for him to help behind the plate and in the outfield in his career here."

Cunningham, a shortstop from Peoria, Ill., is a senior two sport athlete at Peoria Richwoods High School in both baseball and football. He was named Second Team Mid-States 6 All-Conference as a freshman and First Team All-Conference as a sophomore. That year he hit .434 and helped his team to conference and regional titles while being named Peoria Journal Star All-Area honorable mention. Peter is the #16 overall prospect by Prep Baseball report and his brother Adam is currently a senior on the Hawks baseball team.

"Peter is a great signing for us. He comes from a great baseball family, as his brother plays for us now. He is not only a great shortstop but pitches as well," said Unger. "He will be counted on to help in the field and on the mound in year one. He is a mid 80's guy on the mound and has a great approach at the plate. We look for him to anchor the middle of our infield, our lineup and pitching staff for the next four years."

The Quincy University baseball team finished the 2009 season with a 30-25 overall record and in third place in Great Lakes Valley Conference West Division, advancing to the GLVC Postseason Tournament.