June 7, 2001

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue senior pitchers David Gassner and Ben Quick are both on their way to the minor leagues, following the 2001 Draft and free agency signings. Gassner, a southpaw from Hortonville, Wis., was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 24th round on Wednesday. Quick, a right-hander from Hemet, Calif., will sign as a free agent with Toronto, as well.

Both Gassner and Quick were key elements to the Boilermakers' 32-24 (19-7 Big Ten) season, during which the Old Gold and Black recorded a second-place regular season Big Ten finish.

During the Boilermakers' 2001 campaign, Gassner made 14 appearances on the mound, including 11 starts and six complete games, for a 6-5 record with a 5.11 ERA. He pitched 74.0 innings, allowed 91 hits, 45 runs and 16 walks, while striking out 71.

A 2001 All-Big Ten first team selection, Gassner's 71 strikeouts rank sixth on the Purdue career records list and his 17 career wins also is sixth all-time. Gassner was named Big Ten Pitcher of the Week for the week of April 30, following a two-hit shutout at Indiana. He was also named Purdue's Male Athlete of the Month for April.

Quick tallied a team-best 7-5 record with a 4.67 ERA in 14 appearances and starts for a team-leading 98.1 innings pitched. He allowed 113 hits, 54 runs and 26 walks, while striking out 79, also a team best.

An Academic All-Big Ten selection and a second team All-Big Ten selection for the second consecutive year, Quick's 79 strikeouts rank fourth on the Purdue all-time season record list. He also set a new Purdue season record for innings pitched with 98.1. Quick's best game of the season came when he pitched a complete game victory over the then-No. 1-ranked Rice Owls during the Boilermakers' preseason.

Both Gassner and Quick will report to the Blue Jays' mini camp in Florida this weekend, where they will receive their assignments for the remainder of the summer. Both also plan to return to Purdue in the fall to complete their graduation requirements.

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