Garrett Brown, Easton Kirk and Robert Coleman have each inked with four-year colleges. Brown is headed to Samford, Kirk to Troy University and Coleman to West Georgia. (Photo courtesy of Russell Moore)
HANCEVILLE – Wallace State’s baseball team had three sophomores recognized at a ceremony on Tuesday for signing their respective letter of intents with four-year programs.
Garrett Brown is headed to Samford University, Easton Kirk has signed with Troy University and Robert Coleman has inked with the University of West Georgia.
“Like all of the previous players who have left here and went to four-year schools, we are extremely proud of these guys. All three have put in the hard work required and deserve the opportunity to get an education and play baseball at the next level,” said Wallace State baseball coach Randy Putman, who enters his 30th season with the program in 2019. “Our program is one of development and all three have developed significantly. They all have the drive to get better each day. They’re all three coachable and great leaders.”
Brown was among Wallace State’s top pitchers last season, compiling an 8-2 record and a 3.18 ERA in 62 1/3 innings. He was second on the team with 72 strikeouts.
“It’s super exciting to get this decision off my shoulders. I can now go out and do my best to help Wallace State win a championship. I know I have to be one of the leaders for all of our freshmen and help them through tough situations,” said Brown, a James Clemens High graduate.
Kirk put together a phenomenal offensive season with Wallace State as a freshman. The Piedmont native hit .364 with 10 homers and 51 RBIs. He added 16 doubles and scored 47 runs.
“I fell in love with Troy’s campus, coaches and facilities on my first visit, and it quickly felt like home,” Kirk said. “First, I’m looking forward to what we can accomplish here in a few months. There won’t be any pressure of having to impress any school. The goal now is to see if we can get past that conference championship game and get to Grand Junction (Colo.).”
Coleman caught the eye of West Georgia earlier this fall when the Lions visited there for a tournament and the Wolves offered him a scholarship soon after.
Coleman, a Minor High grad, appeared in 10 games for the Lions last season, finishing 2-0 with a 2.79 ERA in 19 1/3 innings. He averaged 6.98 strikeouts per nine innings.
“I’m ready for my sophomore season here and grateful that West Georgia wants me. I’m focused on winning a championship at both places,” Coleman said.
All three sophomores were integral to last season’s success as the Lions went 48-10 and won the Alabama Community College Conference North Division championship. They finished ACCC Tournament runner-up after being ranked among the top 10 teams in the nation during the regular season.
For more information about Wallace State athletics, visit www.athletics.wallacestate.edu or the athletics Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Wallace-State-Community-College-Athletics-238544719506181/
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