By Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org
Christiansburg High School graduate Ty Dunkleman has announced plans to continue his baseball career at Concord University this fall. The three-year starter at second base is the seventh senior from the 2021 CHS class who has signed to play baseball in college.
According to Dunkleman, several factors came into play in his decision to play baseball at Concord University.
“Some of the most important reasons why I decided to commit to Concord were the great environment, the competitive nature, and the coaching staff,” Dunkleman said Wednesday.
Dunkleman was a part of two regular season River Ridge District championships. He joins Ian Perkins, Tripp Compton, Connor Brizendine, Reagan Harris, Clay Clatterbaugh, and MJ Hunter in playing at the next level. Hunter will also be in a Concord uniform.
Hunter and Dunkleman have graced the diamond together since recreation ball.
“We have always had a special connection on the field, which was made even stronger from our being in the middle infield together since we were playing 11U travel baseball,” Dunkleman said. “We have both always had the dream of playing college baseball, and the fact that we will be playing at the same university is surreal. We have always pushed each other to be the best we can be, which makes me excited to see what MJ and I can accomplish at the next level together.”
The Concord University baseball team was 18-23 during the regular season, but the Mountain Lions played for the Mountain East Conference Championship in 2021. The team includes former Auburn High School standout Keith Reed, who is a sophomore.
Dunkleman plans to major in business finance.