KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan Baseball and head coach Billy Gernon announced the signing Jack Fitzharris and Ethan Houghtaling to National Letters of Intent for the 2021-22 recruiting class.

"I want to thank our coaching staff for their efforts on assembling this small in numbers but huge in athleticism recruiting class. Our philosophy each year is to improve on our culture by increasing our overall athleticism and to bring in selfless players that value the team more than themselves while striving for academic excellence. This class is no exception," said Gernon. "We feel great about the connection we have made with these recruits and their families and welcome them with open arms into OUR Bronco Baseball family."

Jack Fitzharris • Northbrook, IL • Glenbrook North HS • 5-10 • 170 lbs • R/R • MIF
Will be a four-year varsity starter & letter winner for Head Coach Dom Savino at Glenbrook North High School…Starting shortstop and leadoff hitter during sophomore season, helping lead the team to a 2019 Central Suburban League Championship, the schools' 7th in nine seasons...Plays for Tom Barnard and the Athletic Barn travel organization in the summer…During the 2020 wood bat season, Fitzharris led the Athletic Barn in batting average (.331), on-base percentage (.486), hits (34), walks (27), hit by pitches (10), doubles (7), triples (6) and stolen bases (36) …  Defensively he put up an incredible .987 fielding percentage while playing all over the diamond…The hard-nosed middle infielder has also played basketball and football at Glenbrook North before solely focusing on baseball… Glenbrook North is also the home of former Bronco standout and Big Leaguer, Pat Misch.

Academically, carries a 3.4 (weighted GPA) …Plans to study business and earn a degree from WMU's Haworth College of Business…Recognized with Citizen's Lifesaving Award by the Federal Railroad Association for his actions in mitigating a potential collision between a vehicle and oncoming train…His father Kevin signed with the St Louis Cardinals out of college, playing at multiple levels within the organization…Son of Kevin & Susan…Older brother Patrick.

Gernon on Fitzharris: "Jack is another talented and versatile athlete that comes from a baseball family. His competiveness and energy is contagious. He is a winner that comes from a very strong high school program and we are excited to add him to our locker-room. Fitzharris is athletic enough to play any and all positions on the field and embraces our academic culture."

Ethan Houghtaling • Zeeland, MI • Zeeland East High School • 6-2 • 190 lbs •  L/R  • RHP/IF
Will be a four-year starter and letter-winner for Head Coach Matt Sattler at Zeeland East High School…As a starter on the mound and in the infield, Houghtaling is a back-to-back All-Area and All-Conference selection…Voted by teammates as captain for three straight seasons…On the mound, led the team in wins with a 5-3 record, accumulating 59 strikeouts in just over 30 innings pitched…At the plate, Houghtaling put up an impressive .324 batting average while racking up 36 hits in his sophomore season…Plays for Coach Alex Hoover and the GR Diamonds travel organization in the summer…The dual threat athlete is also a four-year varsity starter for the Zeeland East Basketball program…Two time All-Area selection & voted captain the past two seasons…Statistically, he put up an average of 7.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game last winter … In the fall, Houghtaling wrapped up his 3rd straight season as a varsity letter winner and starting quarterback for the football program…He is a two time Offensive MVP recipient along with being named captain and All-Area back-to-back seasons and All-Conference this past season…In 2020 he threw for 15 TD's, rushed for 5 TD's & threw for 1,600 yards, ranking second in school history.

Academically, carries a 3.79 (weighted GPA)… National Honor Society member… Plans to study and earn a degree in business from WMU's Haworth College of Business…Son of David & Nancy

Gernon on Houghtaling:  "Ethan is a multi-sport athlete with tremendous athleticism. We have a lot of former high school quarterbacks in our locker room and now we have another one. We highly respect his competitive nature and admire how conscientious he is academically. Ethan could make an impact on our program very early in his career. He epitomizes the student athlete and is exactly what we are looking for to continue to grow our culture."