Dec. 1, 2008

HOUSTON - The University of Houston baseball program and head coach Rayner Noble announced the signing of six athletes to its 2008 signing class during the early signing period.

Under first-year UH assistant coach/recruiting coordinator Russell Stockton and UH assistant/recruiting coordinator Jorge Garza, the Cougars welcome three high school players and three junior college transfers to the program.

The group includes outfielders Eric Books (Taylor HS) and Joel Ansley (Wharton County JC), pitcher/infielder Matt Creel (LSU Eunice), catcher Michael Cokinos (Memorial HS), infielder Alex Anastas (Friendswood HS) and utility player Austin Gracey (Cisco Junior College).

Brooks, Cokinos and Anastas will compete as freshman for the 2009 season, while Creel, Ansley and Gracey will be juniors.

The Cougars open the 2009 season on Feb. 20-22 when they play Kansas State in a weekend, non-conference series at Cougar Field. The series begins at 6:30pm on Feb. 20, continues at 4pm on Feb. 21 and will wrap up at noon on Feb. 22.