FARGO, N.D. - Former Southwest Minnesota State University pitcher Adam Schrader has signed a professional contract with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks of the independent Northern League on Monday.  Schrader will be in uniform tonight when the RedHawks host the Schaumburg Flyers at Newman Outdoor Field in Fargo, N.D. 

Schrader, a native of Easton, Minn., finished his senior season this past spring with a 5-4 record, including a team-low 3.28 ERA in a team-leading 74 innings pitched.  Named SMSU's Pitcher of the Year, Schrader led the team with 12 starts, while recording a team-high 62 strikeouts and tossing three complete games, including two shutouts.  He earned first team All-NSIC honors and was also a second team all-region honoree by Daktronics, the ABCA and the NCBWA.  Schrader ended his career as the program's all-time leader in strikeouts (244) and games started (48), while finishing second in innings pitched (262.2).

Schrader is the second former SMSU pitcher currently pitching in independent baseball.  Ryan Morse (2003-05) is pitching for the St. Paul Saints in the American Association. 

Southwest Minnesota State University is a member of NCAA Division II and is located in Marshall, Minn.  SMSU finished the 2010 season 29-18 overall, including 22-10 in the NSIC, tying for fourth place in the standings.  The 29 victories is the fifth highest in school history.  The Mustangs advanced to the championship game of the NSIC tournament before losing to Minnesota State 6-5.

Southwest Minnesota State, located in Marshall, Minn., is a member of NCAA Division II and competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.