The Pioneers signed center fielder, Kendall Konopka whom attends Arizona Christian University.

       Kendall Konopka, a 2010 graduate of Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe, Arizona, transferred to Arizona Christian from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and will play baseball for the Firestorm beginning with the 2012 season.

       During the 2011 season, Kendall batted .230 in 34 games as a freshman at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, and smacked four doubles, scored 15 runs and had nine RBI.

       “We are very excited about having Kendall play for us, he is a speed guy who plays a great center field. We look for him to be our lead off guy, stated Dan Shwam, Manager.”

       As a high school senior in 2010, Konopka put together a dream season, batting .606 with 18 doubles, six triples, 10 home runs, 49 RBI and 49 runs scored and led Marcos de Niza High School, coached by Felipe Becerra, to the State 5-AII pool semifinals before the Padres lost to eventual State champion Horizon High School.

       Konopka was named State 5-AII Player of the Year, All-State 5-A first team, All-Region, and All-City, and earned team Most Valuable Player, Best Offensive Player and Best Defensive Player honors. He set school single-season records for batting average, hits, doubles, home runs, total bases, runs, RBI, and consecutive game hitting streak, and tied the Arizona 5-A career batting average record with a sizzling .537 mark. Konopka also batted .424 as a junior in 2009, with four doubles, three triples, 21 runs scored, 10 stolen bases and 16 RBI and helped the Padres reach the 2009 State pool quarterfinals.

       Konopka graduated high school with academic honors and ranked seventh in his class. He also was a member of his school's National Honor Society chapter. He hopes to utilize his business administration major after graduation by founding and operating his own business.

       The Elmira Pioneers opening weekend is slated for June 8th, 9th and 10th. For information regarding season tickets contact the ticket office at www.elmirapioneers.com.