CLINTON, Iowa - The Ashford University baseball program and its pitching staff received an infusion of talent in the last week as a pair of junior college transfers signed on to become Saints in 2010 and beyond.

McHenry County College transfer Ty Funke of Algonquin, Ill., and Indian Hills Community College transfer Jeran Courtney of Eldon, pledged to don the purple and gold in their collegiate careers.

The Saints' recruiting class, particularly the bullpen, under the direction of AU Head Coach John Govek continued to get richer with the commitment of the two hurlers.

Funke was a two-time All-Skyway Conference selection while at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, Ill. He was an all-area team pick at Huntley High School and brings versatility as a corner infielder to the Saints, also being listed as a third baseman.

Funke selected Ashford over the University of Illinois-Springfield and University of Missouri-St. Louis. The son of Larry Funke and Kris Funke, Ty will continue his pursuit of a degree in Accounting upon arrival to campus this fall.

Funke compiled a 6-4 record on the hill with a sub-4.00 ERA in his sophomore year at McHenry while hitting a staggering .441 at the plate. He played in 32 games this past spring and drove in 14 runs.

His younger brother, Tanner, just completed his first year as a pitcher at Southern Illinois University.

"Ty is an exciting two-way player who can help us on the mound and at the plate," said AU graduate assistant and pitching specialist Josh Brandt. "He's coming off a great year and is a proven hitter at a high level at McHenry (County College)."

Courtney, who played his prep ball at Cardinal High School, was a First Team All-Conference selection during his senior year. He played at Indian Hills for one year before deciding to transfer to Ashford.

Courtney was also named Cardinal's Most Valuable Player as a senior, while leading his team in wins on the mound and compiled the highest batting average.

The son of Josh and Jenna Courtney, Jeran will continue his studies in the field of Communications this fall.

2010-11 Ashford Baseball Signees
Ty Funke - P/IF - Algonquin, Ill. (Huntley H.S./McHenry C.C.)
Jeran Courtney - P - Eldon, Iowa (Cardinal H.S./Indian Hills C.C.)
Ryan Fraley - 1B/P - Sioux City, Iowa (Sioux City North H.S.)
Matt Follen - IF - Waunakee, Wis.(Waunakee H.S.)
Joe Dashek - IF - Franklin, Wis. (Indian Hills C.C.)
Rafael Ordaz - C - Caracas, Venezuela (Ellsworth C.C.)
Tomás Chardón - C - Middleton, Wis. (Middleton H.S.)
Tommie Garton III - UTIL - Bettendorf, Iowa (Pleasant Valley H.S.)