BILLINGS, Mont. – Adding a pair of players for the 2016 baseball season, Montana State University Billings head coach Rob Bishop announced the signing of Steen Fredrickson of Ashland, Ore., and Alex Leighton of Sparks, Nev., on Friday.
 
Fredrickson is a right-handed pitcher who attends Ashland High School where he is a dual-sport athlete for the Grizzlies. The senior stands 6-foot-1 and is a guard on the AHS basketball team in addition to his pitching duties. Earning six total letters, Fredrickson was a two-time all-state honorable mention selection in baseball and was a two-time team captain. In his career he has recorded 140 strikeouts over his first three high school seasons.
 
"I made my decision as soon as I boarded the plane to fly back home," Fredrickson said regarding his commitment to MSUB. "I knew this was a place I would want to live, a school I would fit well into academically, and a baseball program I could represent and strive to win for with the best of my ability. I will be going to school in Billings and playing for a great program in the Yellowjackets next year."
 
"Steen is a terrific competitor who is pretty polished for a high school guy," Bishop said. "We think he can compete for time on the mound immediately. During the recruiting process it became apparent for us that he would be a good fit in our program. He is a solid person and student that will develop well in our program. I am excited to have Steen join our team."
 
A 5-foot-10 middle infielder, Leighton also competes in basketball and baseball. Earning five letters thus far for the Reed High School Raiders, Leighton was a first-team all-league second baseman and made the all-academic team. He has also played in the Junior All-Star game, the Caba World Series, and helped his basketball team to a league championship.
 
As a junior in 2014, Leighton hit .444 with three home runs and 15 stolen bases. He also scored 31 runs and collected 23 total extra-base hits including 15 doubles and five triples.
 
"Alec is a very good athlete that will be able to compete immediately for time in our infield," Bishop said. "His style of play is a perfect fit for us as he uses his speed and athleticism at the plate, on the bases, and defensively. Alec is also a tremendous basketball player in a high-level conference which is a testament to his overall athletic skill. We are looking forward to helping him develop into a high-level college player."