WEST POINT, Ala. – West Point High School’s library was full of friends, family, teammates and coaches Tuesday morning to celebrate another Warrior standout’s next step in their athletic and academic career. Caiden Rodgers, one of West Point’s best arms on the mound this season, officially signed his letter of intent to take his talents to the University of Tennessee Southern where he’ll continue to mow down opposing batters with the Firehawks. Rodgers finished his senior season with a 2.38 ERA and struck out 69 batters in 55.2 innings of work.
Caiden got to know the campus and staff during the recruiting process and knew early on that the Firehawks were at the top of his list.
“It reminds me of home there in Pulaski and Coach (Mitch) Hill and all the coaches have been really friendly, so I love the staff,” Rodgers said. “They’ve just been my number one choice since day one.”
Rodgers has put in the work over the last several years to earn this opportunity, but he credits his coaches and teammates for helping push him to reach his goal of playing at the next level.
“Coach (Drew) Bryson always gave us the best chance for success. He gave us a good schedule and we always played really tough opponents and I feel like that helps you get ready for the next level,” Rodgers said. “I just want to thank all my coaches and teammates that I’ve had through the years that have pushed me to where I am today.”
Warriors Head Coach Drew Bryson had his eye on Caiden when he was just a freshman but he was still impressed to see how much Rodgers developed and how dominant he was throughout his senior season.
“He was a guy as a freshman that we saw had a ton of potential and we knew if he could figure it out, he’d be really good one day,” Bryson said. “It was just a joy to see him grow up mentally and physically over the last four years and really blossom into a guy who’s last six or seven starts for us this year were just unbelievable. With him and Eli (Folds) we didn’t really have a No. 1 and a No. 2, we had a 1A and a 1B so having a guy like that step up and give us a chance no matter who we’re playing was big for us. We’re excited for him and to have another guy moving on and representing the program and I know he’s going to do really well up there.”
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