CLINTON, Iowa - Two local tennis players have committed to continuing their academic and athletic careers as Saints.

Camanche, Iowa-natives Brayton Rasche and Jalyn Deering became the first signings of the 2012-13 season for Head Coach Chad Fenwick and the Ashford University tennis teams after the commitments were received Monday morning.

Rasche, a senior on the Camanche High School boys' tennis team, is the returning #1 singles player for the Indians and compiled a record of 11-6 last season as a junior. The new Saint just missed qualifying for the Class 1A State Tournament as an individual as he took third place at the district meet. He placed fourth as an individual in the district event during his freshman and sophomore seasons.

Deering, a senior member of the Camanche High School girls' tennis team, is preparing to close the book on an outstanding prep career. The Indians have finished no worse than third as a team at the Class 1A State Tournament with Deering as a member and earned the Class 1A State Championship during her sophomore campaign.

Last season, the newest member of the Ashford University women's squad teamed up with a doubles partner to take second place at the Class 1A state meet held in Waterloo, Iowa, and was a state doubles qualifier during her freshman season. She also worked her way to a seventh place finish at state as an individual during CHS's state championship run.

Brayton is the son of Simon and Brenda Rasche and plans to study business when he enrolls at AU this coming fall.

Jalyn is the daughter of Adrian and Barbara Deering and plans to become an elementary education major when she steps foot on campus.