AZUSA, Calif. -- It appears that a new leaf has been turned over and the immediate results could pay big dividends.

Historically, since he took over as the head coach at Azusa Pacific, Paul Svagdis has heavily recruited players out of the high school. During this offseason however, the Cougars’ coaching staff tweaked its philosophy and has been busy tapping into the junior colleges ranks.

Adding to the 6 ballplayers already signed for next season, the coaching staff has announced that 6 more that will don the black and brick in 2007.

The Cougars’ have been looking to find live arms to plug into their rotation after the loss of starters Andrew Abell and Guy McDowell. To that end, they have signed one of the top junior college arms in the state in Ryan Zaft. A right-hander from Yuba City, Zaft is coming off an outstanding sophomore season where he went 8-3 with a 1.28 ERA. In 91.2 innings pitched he gave up only 66 hits and walked 10 batters while striking out 81. Those sparkling numbers aside he also threw 3 complete games proving his durability. He was named to the Bay Valley Conference first team.

Yuba City catcher A.J. Russo had an outstanding year at the plate hitting .366 with 12 doubles, 2 home runs and 33 runs batted in. He finished second on the team with .466 on base percentage. Russo also displayed quality speed on the bases with 6 steals for the 49ers. He joined Zaft on the Bay Valley Conference first team.

Azusa Pacific has also signed another pair of teammates from Skyline CC in the Coast Conference. Infielder Gaylyn Komo and versatile left-handed hurler Carlos Alvarenga will make an immediate impact on the 2007 club. Komo hit .408 with 9 doubles and 15 RBIs. His .519 on base percentage reflects his ability to put the ball in play and his bat will be a welcome addition. He earned Coast North All-Conference second team honors.

Meanwhile, Alvarenga was 4-5 with a 3.04 ERA this past season. He appeared in 19 games which included 7 starts. He will be a candidate to be part of the rotation next year with his live left-handed arm. Alvarenga limited opponents to 60 hits in 77 innings pitched.

The Cougars also inked slick fielding shortstop Grant Beyer out of San Joaquin Delta CC. The sophomore is fresh off a campaign in which he batted .302 with 4 doubles and 17 RBIs. He was named to the Big 7 Conference first team.

Rounding up the list of signers is Feather River righty Scott Thur. He will be a viable candidate for the starting rotation after going 6-2 with a 2.62 ERA in 10 starts. Thur was a Golden Valley Conference first team pick for his work as a freshman. He helped lead the Golden Eagles to a league championship in 2006.

“All of these guys are both quality players and young men and we are very excited to have them,” said Svagdis. “Their experience combined with what we have returning next season will make us a quality club. We have added guys who can step in right away and also players who will give us quality depth.”

Azusa Pacific is looking to rebound from a 24-25 season where it finished fifth in the GSAC.