By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director - Wisconsin/Illinois

This spring, outfielder Conner Funnell accomplished something that every little kid dreams about. With a tie game in the eighth inning of the spring State Championship game, Funnell ripped a double down the line bringing the winning run to home and capturing Sun Prairie’s second straight State Championship.

Sun Prairie was the clear preseason favorite to start the 2013 season but after losing their best player and Virginia commit, Tony Butler to a season ending injury, many of the younger Cardinals like Funnell were asked to step up. Funnell batted .362 in the leadoff spot while driving in 16 runs and only striking out twice on the year. He led the team in hits and runs scored which is exactly what you would ask for out of your leadoff hitter.

As the recruiting process starts to heat up for Funnell he is hoping to find the right fit at the next level.

“I’m looking for a school with a good Physical Therapy program or Athletic Training program”, said Funnell.

He went on to say, “I got a 21 on my ACT, but plan to take it again to get a higher score and my GPA is a 3.61.”

Funnell is a 5-foot-10, 160-pound outfielder who shows an all-around athletic game. He also splits time on the mound at Sun Prairie but will most likely play the outfield at the next level.

So far he has already had a couple of heavy suitors.

“I have received mail, email and phone calls from a number of colleges including Carthage College and UW LaCrosse.”

Funnell is now working on narrowing his choices and visiting campuses to find the best fit.

“I recently went on a visit to Carthage College on September 6^th.  I plan on visiting LaCrosse and a few others before making a decision on where I am going to go”, said Funnell.

Funnell is getting prepared for his senior season and is hoping to make it a three-peat for the Cardinals. He has many goals for 2014 but most of all he said,

“As a senior, I want to be a good leader to make sure that the tradition of Sun Prairie baseball is carried on.”

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