June 25, 2008

TEXARKANA, Texas - Former Kansas Wesleyan University baseball player Shaun Sumter has signed a professional baseball contract with the Texarkana Gunslingers of the Continental Baseball League as announced by the organization on Tuesday (June 24).

Sumter, who finished his career at Wesleyan this spring, was 8-3 in 13 starts for the Coyotes with a 2.73 ERA. Sumter also struck out 71 batters in 82.2 innings pitched in helping Wesleyan win its first KCAC Championship in baseball since the 2001 season.

"I am proud of Shaun's accomplishments in signing a professional contract," said KWU coach Dave Dawson. "It's a good step for him, and I wish him the best of luck with the Gunslingers."

Sumter, a native of Oologah, Okla., came to Wesleyan in 2007 after playing two seasons at Northern Oklahoma CC - Enid. "We feel like Shaun is a player that can step right in and upgrade the pitching staff," said Gunslingers General Manager David Farren in a statement.

"We're excited he's here and look forward to big things from him in 2008."

In his two years at KWU, Sumter was named First Team All-KCAC in 2008, and also earned All-NAIA Region IV honors. He was 12-5 in two years for the Coyotes, spending 2007 as a reliever appearing in 23 games, with a 3.51 career ERA.

"Shaun showed what working hard can do for a person," Dawson said. "It allowed him to realize one of his dreams of playing professional baseball."