Contact Information:

Derek Leppert, Head Baseball Coach

Friends University

316.295.5769

Leppert@friends.edu

November 24, 2008

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY IN WICHITA, KANSAS INKS LINCOLN SOUTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL RECRUIT.

Lincoln Southeast High School Middle Infielder/Pitcher Ryan Tarletsky Commits to Friends University in Wichita, Kansas.

Wichita, Kansas - At a Letter of Intent Signing held today at Lincoln Southeast High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, Friends University’s Head Baseball Coach, Derek Leppert announced the signing of one of the University’s top baseball recruits, Lincoln Southeast’s senior middle infielder Ryan Tarletsky as the newest member of the Falcon Baseball Team at Friends University located in Wichita, Kansas. “Ryan is a player that will be an immediate impact on the field for us right away.  He will provide us an opportunity to be solid up the middle and to build around him.  He will help us reach our goal of trying to get to and win the NAIA World Series.” said Assistant Coach Carlos Jackson.

Ryan Tarletsky will enroll at Friends University as part of the freshman class in the fall of 2009. Ryan will be majoring in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Marketing while attending Friends University. Having the opportunity to continue to play at the collegiate level at one of the leading NAIA Universities in the nation, one with an excellent academic program and reputation was the driving force behind Ryan’s decision to commit to Friends University.

Head Baseball Coach, Derek Leppert commented during the signing, “Ryan gives us an exciting future in the middle of the diamond for four seasons.  His ability showed up right away in just two at bats at the showcase we saw him at.  His physical tools are a plus and his work ethic provides us with the comfort of knowing he will work hard every day.  We welcome Ryan into the Falcon baseball program.” 

Friends University baseball plays in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) where we have completed the last two season’s one game out of first place. Friends University has recently invested over three million dollars into its gym which benefits the baseball program with a brand new state of the art weight room facility.

Friends University's main campus is located in Wichita, Kansas, offering associates, bachelors, and master's degrees through three colleges: the College of Adult and Professional Studies, College of Business, Arts, Science and Education, and the Graduate School. Five baccalaureate degrees are offered with more than 40 degree options. The University also offers 12 master's programs.