ABILENE, Texas – Three members of McMurry University's 2012 baseball team – first baseman Matt Thompson, second baseman Marcellous Biggins and relief pitcher Deen Coleman - will have the opportunity to extend their baseball careers after signing contracts today with the Abilene Prairie Dogs. The Prairie Dogs are the newest franchise in the independent North American Baseball League.

All three former War Hawks were selected after an open tryout on Sunday (May 13) at Walt Driggers Field, home of McMurry baseball. The Prairie Dogs will also be utilizing Driggers Field as their home park this summer.

While all three will be participating in the Prairie Dogs eight-day spring training season, they are not guaranteed a spot on the team.  29 players will be vying for a place on the 23-man opening day roster.

Thompson was a first team All-American Southwest Conference West Division selection. Thompson had a banner season by batting .404 with 43 runs, 36 RBI and 25 extra-base hits. Of the 12 offensive categories listed by the ASC, he ranked in the top five in 10 of them and led the circuit in home runs (9), on-base average (.518) and slugging percentage (.705).

Thompson also had a sterling .991 fielding percentage, committing four errors in 428 total chances. For good measure, he ranked fifth in stolen bases, as well. Thompson earned the ASC West Division's “Player of the Week” award four times during the year.

Biggins was also an ASC West POTW honoree after tying a school – and ASC – record with four doubles in a game versus Southwestern. He ended the season batting .282, with nine doubles, a triple and two home runs. He also was brilliant on defense, routinely making difficult plays on his way to a .974 fielding percentage.

Coleman made 13 appearances for the War Hawks as a senior. He posted a 2-1 record with one save in 19 2/3 innings pitched. He struck out 20 batters and opponents hit .269 against him. As a junior in 2011, he tied the school season saves record with six.