Pair of NIACC leftys sign with NCAA Division I schools

MASON CITY - A pair of NIACC left-handed pitchers Collin Kramer and Nick Lommen signed national letter of intents with NCAA Division I schools on Wednesday afternoon.

Kramer, a 6-foot-5 inch southpaw from St. Ansgar, signed his national letter of intent with the Charlotte 49ers, who play in Conference USA. Charlotte was 9-8 in its abbreviated 2020 season and was 21-31-1 in 2019.

"It feels good to finally have it over with and focus on the now," Kramer said. "I really liked the development they have on their pitching side."

Lommen, a 6-4 left-hander from Minnetonka, Minn., signed his national letter of intent with Georgia State University, which is located in Atlant and plays in the Sun Belt Conference. The Panthers were 9-7 in 2020 and were 15-41 in 2019.

"I liked their baseball program in general," Lommen said. "Their coaches are doing a good job of turning it around.

"Heading forward, I think it's going to be a good fit for me to get better."

NIACC coach Drew Sannes said he's proud of both of the southpaws that signed on Wednesday.

"It's awesome," Sannes said. "It's a testament to the time they have put in here.

"Those guys have seen massive growths since they've got here. It comes down to them going all in. They've taken the time to be very detailed in their process. It's a very rewarding feel for both of them."

In the 2020 abbreviated season, Kramer logged six innings for the Trojans and Lommen pitched eight innings.

Sannes said that while Kramer and Lommen both throw with their left hand, they are two different types of pitchers.

"Nick has a little more with his secondary pitches," Sannes said, "and Collin is going to overpower you with the fastball, currently.

"They both have similiar mindsets when they are on the mound. They are both going to attack the strike zone."