Cape Girardeau, Mo. (June 20, 2002) - Southeast Missouri State University pitching standout Brad Purcell has signed a contract with the Evansville (Ind.) Otters of the Independent Frontier League. He reported to the Otters late Wednesday and is scheduled to start a game later this week.

Purcell, the 2002 Ohio Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year, went 12-3 with a 3.38 earned-run average as the ace of the Indians' staff this year. He set a school record with 117 innings pitched and tied a record with his 12 wins.

A right-hander, Purcell was bypassed in the recent amateur draft. Southeast coach Mark Hogan said this will at least give Purcell an opportunity to be noticed by a major-league organization.

"I'm thrilled for him," Hogan said. "Evansville was in need of a starter. It's a situation where he'll get the ball and this at least gives him a chance."

The Frontier League consists of 12 teams, including the Chillicothe (Ohio) Paints, for whom former Southeast star Darin Kinsolving is one of the top hitters.

The Southeast Missourian Contributed to this story.