The Bryan College Baseball team has just finished a huge week of recruiting for the 2008-2009 Baseball Season. The Lions signed 5 players this week, bolstering their freshman class for next year. The following are press releases regarding the 5 student-athletes inked to National Letters of Intent.

Jordan Day Trion, GA

Jordan Day signed a letter of intent this morning to play baseball at Bryan College. A catcher/outfielder, Jordan will make the Lions deeper at each position and compete for a spot to play right away. “Jordan worked hard at his tryout and I believe that with more hard work he could be a future impact player for us,” head baseball coach Joel Johnson said. Jordan is entering his fourth season on the varsity roster at Trion High School in Georgia where he is a leader both on and off the field. Jordan's father, Jim, was excited about his son's decision to attend Bryan: "Jordan has looked at many schools, but Bryan was a perfect fit for what he was looking for both academically and athletically." The Lions are getting a player whose focus and determintation to play college basebal spurred him on from an early age. Trion High School Principal, Dr. Phil Williams had great things to say about Jordan,"(He) is one of those students who know what he wanted years ago. His extra efforts and commitment to those goals has paid off. Bryan is a perfect fit for Jordan, and he will definitely be an asset to their program."

Chad Lee Ooltewah, TN

The Bryan College coaching staff paid a visit to the McCallie School today to sign senior left-handed pitcher Chad Lee to a letter of intent to play baseball. Pitching coach Taylor Hasty is excited about having Chad as a part of the pitching staff, “Chad already pitches with command of three pitches and he will provide much needed depth for us out of the bullpen as a freshman.” Coach Johnson believes that “anytime you can sign a kid from McCallie it is a good thing because McCallie kids are hard workers both in the classroom and on the field and they have always been well coached.” McCallie's Head Coach, Chris Richardson, was excited about sending his pitcher to the next level: " I'm really happy for Chad. He is a great young man who has worked extremely hard to fulfill a dream. It's a great opportunity for him."

Owen Kilgore Whitwell, TN

Owen Kilgore made official his commitment to Bryan College by signing a letter of intent in front of his family and friends at Whitwell HS this morning. A versatile, three-sport athlete, Owen will bring much needed athleticism to the outfield as a Lion. Coach Johnson spoke well of the former Whitwell HS quarterback, “a very quick young man with a good arm, Owen will deepen us at the outfield position. I believe that if he can come to the field every day ready to work hard, Owen will have the opportunity to be very successful here at Bryan.” Owen's father Steve, had this to say about the signing: "Owen always wanted to play sports at the next level, and we're thrilled that he's gotten that opportunity at Bryan College." Kilgore's mother echoed those sentiments: "I am so thankful that the Lord has given Owen the opportunity to play at the next level. It's what he has always wanted."

 

Brandon Copeland Whitwell, TN

Kilgore's teammate, Brandon Copeland also committed to Bryan College this morning. This marks the second time this year that the Bryan baseball program has signed a pair of teammates. Brandon is a right-handed pitcher who will see the majority of innings for Whitwell High School. As a freshman the young man will be available out of the bullpen for the Lions and look to earn a spot in the starting rotation in the future. “A big bodied kid with a very positive upside, “Coach Hasty, the pitching coach for the Lions, stated, “with some hard work, Brandon has the opportunity to pitch a lot for us in the future.” Coach Johnson is excited about having two kids from Whitwell HS, “anytime you can sign two kids from the same high school you have the opportunity for a lot of success.” Whitwell Head Coach Chris Morrison on Coplane and Kilgore: "The real winner today is the Bryan College family. These are two great individuals who will contribute greatly to any program."

Steven Brown Charleston, TN

Walker Valley Senior shortstop Steven Brown has signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Bryan College. The hard working young man will look to play middle infield for the Lions and deepen them at the plate. “Steven will work hard for us and has already demonstrated the kind of leadership qualities that we look for in the young men we recruit,” Coach Johnson said. “We look for Steven to help us as a freshman and become an even better ball player than he is already.” A member of the Chattanooga Cyclones, Steven has played a high level of baseball for quite some time and will bring that experience to Bryan College. Brown is anxious to get to Bryan: " I am very excited to join the Bryan family. It's a great atmosphere and a great Christian environment. I can't wait to get there and contribute to the team." Steven's coach, Joe Shamblin, also was excited about the signing: "Bryan is getting a solid infielder who is also one of the hardest working young men I know. On top of that, he is a great kid, and will be a tremendous asset to the program."