(Willmar, MN) – The Willmar Stingers of the Northwoods League have recently announced the signing of two Pepperdine University student athletes for the 2010 inaugural season. The Stingers have signed contracts with sophomore catcher Nate Johnson and freshman infielder Joe Sever (Sev-er). Johnson and Sever mark the Stingers first two players in franchise history, and the remaining roster will be announced throughout the winter and spring. They will be joined by 28 other teammates as a Northwoods League franchise can carry 30 players with a 26-man active roster. Johnson, a left-handed hitter from Camarillo, CA earned the role as a starter last season at Pepperdine and looks to make waves as a seasoned catcher this coming spring. As a freshman, he led all freshmen with five home runs during his rookie campaign and hit .242 and drove in 24 runs. Johnson is no stranger to summer collegiate baseball as he was named a Prospect League All-Star last summer for the Danville Dans, where he hit .256 in 43 games with 10 doubles, 24 runs, 4 home runs and 29 RBI. Sever will also join the Stingers as a shortstop/2nd baseman. He is originally from San Jose, CA, where he was voted his high school Most Valuable Player following his senior year. He had a team leading .496 average with six home runs and 11 stolen bases. Sever is also the nephew of Super Bowl quarterback John Elway. “Pepperdine has always had a very solid baseball program and have sent some of their best players into the league,” Stingers field manager Matt Hollod said. “Their players have had great success in the league and both of these guys will play a big role for us.” The Stingers 2010 schedule will be released soon and will include a 70-game schedule in 75 days during the upcoming summer. Season tickets for the 2010 season are just $99 as a limited introductory rate. Regular prices for season tickets are $149 for reserved seat backs and $169 for box seat season tickets. For more information regarding the roster and upcoming season, please call 320-222-2010 or visit www.WillmarStingers.com.
