Bryan College Signs Two From Duluth HS in Atlanta, GA

Pictured: Seated: Mrs. Van Camp, Mr. Van Camp, Jared Van Camp, Reed Merwin, Mrs. Merwin, Mr. Merwin
Standing: Bryan College Assistant Coach Taylor Hasty, Duluth High School Head Coach Bobby Link, Bryan College Head Coach Joel Johnson

December 11, 2007

     Dayton, TN-- Bryan College is pleased to announce the signing of two student-athletes from Duluth High School in Duluth, GA. Jared Van Camp is a tremendous athlete who will play in the middle infield for the Lions. Van Camp is a solid student with a great work ethic who will bring alot to the campus at Bryan both on and off the diamond. Jared is a great talent who will add some depth at both middle infield positions and with some added strength will be an impact bat for the Lions in the future. Van Camp will likely play short stop for Duluth this spring, anchoring a young team that is looking to return Duluth's program to prominence.  

     Reed Merwin is a right handed pitcher who throws in the mid 80's and has the ability to play an infield spot as well. Merwin also led Duluth's summerball team in batting in the summer of 2007 hitting close to .400 in 30 games for the Wildcats. Merwin has since undergone Tommy John surgery and has been working hard to rehab his arm back to full strength in time to play his senior season. As the Wild Cats head into the spring, Merwin is already throwing on the side and is cleared to play an infield position this spring for DHS Head Coach Bobby Link. Merwin will forgo any time on the mound this season in order to ensure a full recovery in time to begin his college career. One of Merwin's biggest upsides is his attitude in the classroom. Merwin is a 4.0 student who will work hard both in the classroom, in the weight room and on the field at Bryan.

     Lions' Head Coach Joel Johnson is thrilled about bringing these two young men into the program at Bryan: " These are two quality young men who I look to make an impact on campus here at Bryan. It's always a great thing when you can get two talented guys from a program like Duluth. Bobby (Link) does a tremendous job at Duluth, and both Reed and Jared will be more than adequately prepared to make the transition to the college game. I was very impressed by Jared at his tryout, and we firmly believe that when Reed returns to full strength he'll be able to step into our rotation and bolster our young staff."

     Both Reed and Jared's parents were excited about their sons signing with Bryan. Mr. Merwin said, " We are thrilled about the opportunity Reed has to play at Bryan. We feel he will be challenged in the classroom as well as on the diamond. This has really been a blessing for Bryan to come along and take a chance on Reed after the injury. I know he can pitch, but alot of coaches would be scared away a kid having Tommy John during his senior year. I think it speaks volumes about the character of Coach Johnson and the program at Bryan.

     Mr. Van Camp couldn't help but feel like the Lord's hand was in all of this: " Since our visit to Bryan we've been praying and seeking the Lord, and we believe God's plan was for Jared to go to Bryan. We're excited about the next 4 years and look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for our son both in life and on the field."  Duluth Coach Bobby Link sung the praises of his seniors who "are quality young men and leaders for me. I'm always happy to send players on to the next level and I think they'll be a great fit for Bryan. They've gotten a solid base here at Duluth and I think they're only going to improve under Coach Johnson's supervision. I'm excited for these kids."