Thomas Nelson CC Launches Athletic Program with Baseball SIgnings

With a dozen strokes of the pen, the Thomas Nelson athletic program was formally launched last Friday, as twelve (of 14) baseball players signed their letter-of-intent to play for the Gators during the upcoming 2015-16 fall and spring seasons.

The Espada Room at TNCC before Friday's letter-of-intent
signing event

The ceremony, held in the Espana Room of Moore Hall, marked the first time since its opening in 1967 that Thomas Nelson held an event to introduce a new class of student-athletes.

“Today really is a special day for Thomas Nelson Community College,” noted Dr. Daniel Lufkin, vice-president for student affairs. “Many years from now, you will be able to say that I was in the pioneering class that started student athletics at TNCC.”

However, Dr. Lufkin also reminded the student-athletes of the responsibility that comes with their new commitment.

“As student-athletes, you will be held to a higher standard. You are setting the standard of Thomas Nelson athletes for years to come, at the local and national levels.”

One by one, Perry Woods, public address announcer for the Apprentice School and baseball’s Peninsula Pilots, introduced each athlete. As the player reached the front, he was directed to a table where he signed a letter-of-intent and was given a TNCC pen, as well as a Gator baseball cap. After the signings, coach Chad Smith presented a brief slideshow, which featured all 14 signees.

For many of the new Gator players, just having the opportunity to continue playing a game they love was the reason they signed on with Thomas Nelson.

“It’s awesome! I’m excited,” exclaimed Dylan Bartells, a Grafton HS graduate of 2013 who waited two years for the opportunity to play organized baseball again.

“I’m excited that I’ll be able to go to school and still play,” said Michael Ivers, a 2015 graduate of Deep Creek HS, who will be playing third base for the Gators. Former high school teammate Corey Barker agreed.

“I love playing baseball. I thought that my career might be over. But, Coach Smith came to see us at the (VHSL) regional tournament and asked if I wanted to play for Thomas Nelson. I was sure he was kidding because I thought, they don’t have a team.”

With Friday’s signings, and the addition of several players from last year’s club squad, now they do.

2015-16 Student-Athlete Baseball Recruits

Angel Colon – Green Run HS (’14)

Brett Hogge – Mathews HS (’15)

Chris Phillips – Summit Christian Academy (’15)

Christian Rivera – Hampton Roads Academy (’15)

Corey Barker – Deep Creek HS (’15)

Devin Williams – Smithfield HS (’15)

Dylan Bartells – Grafton HS (’13)

Glen Warren – Bethel HS (’15)

Kristin Hurst – Phoebus HS (’15)

Michael Ivers – Deep Creek HS (’15)

Robbie Edwards – Kecoughtan HS (’15)

Taylor Woolard – Lancaster HS (’15)

Travis Hargrave – Bethel HS (’15)

Willie Fernald – Mathews HS (’15)