Corey Allan Funk is taking his baseball talents to the next level. Loyd Star’s pitcher/infielder has signed a baseball scholarship with the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Wolves.

     Funk, a 6-foot-3, 18 year-old right-hander, signed the official scholarship papers Monday afternoon in the Loyd Star Library. He is the son of Billy and Melissa Thomas Funk.

     “I’m excited to have the opportunity to play baseball at Co-Lin,” said Funk. “I had a good season for Loyd Star and made a lot of good plays. Hopefully, I can do a lot more with Co-Lin.”

     As a senior, Funk batted .462 for the Hornets as a infielder. He accounted for 32 RBI, 13 stolen bases, 2 triples and 10 doubles. He had a .532 on-base percentage.

     Funk was used lightly in the pitcher rotation this year, due to having Tommy John surgery last fall. Last year, he provided the Hornets with a 2.26 ERA. His record was 7-1 with 25 strikeouts and 7 walks in 43 innings pitched.

     “Corey is a great player and individual,” said Loyd Star coach Jared Britt. “He has been a joy to coach. I feel very confident in Corey continuing to grow and develop into a great college player.

     “We will miss him at Loyd Star,” stated Britt. “We are definitely looking forward to seeing him continue his baseball career at Co-Lin.”

     Asked about his favorite Major League Baseball team, Funk said he likes the St. Louis Cardinals. His favorite player is California first baseman Albert Pujols. His favorite food is hamburgers.

     Funk’s favorite subject in school is math. He plans to pursue a degree in architectural engineering.

     Co-Lin head coach Keith Case said he was happy to have Funk joining his squad. “Corey is a talented athlete. He is still growing and has the potential to be a good pitcher and become a big asset for Co-Lin.”

     Joining Funk in the 2012 signing class for Co-Lin baseball is Shane McKinley of Parklane, Christian (Bubba) Keene of Brookhaven Academy, Chris Perry of Adams Christian, Jerel Mark of Bowling Green, Gage Mile of Gautier, Dominic Savage and DeVonte’ Tarleton, both of Port Gibson.

     Coach Case stated that he will sign a few more players in the near future.