Four Sophomores Sign Early
Posted: Nov 17, 2016

Four Sophomores Sign Early

Cuthbert, GA. --Andrew College baseball has four sophomores sign with NCAA Divison II programs during the early signing period on November 15. The four sophomores are Cary Holloway, Chris Schwarzer, Jacob Lane, and Mike Branche. Head Baseball Coach and Athletic Director Blake Williams stated, "I'm very proud of these individuals as they have all come in and worked very hard the past two years to get the opportunities that they have moving forward to four-year institutions. Not coincidently, all four were also selected by their team mates to serve as our team captains this year. That is a huge honor and one that shows they are not only getting it done on the field but also being good citizens of Andrew College and handling themselves in a high character way."

Cary Holloway signed on with University of South Carolina at Aiken an NCAA Division II program located in Aiken, South Carolina. USC-Aiken was ranked as high as #5 in the NCAA Divion II baseball poll last season and finished the year ranked #18 with a strong history of success under Head Coach Kenny Thomas. As a freshman, Cary played in 45 games with a .265 avg, 17 RBI, 17 runs scored, and 5 stolen bases. Holloway was a steady glove starting at shortstop all year and providing strong leadership in the middle of the infield for the Tigers. Coach Williams stated, "Cary is a consummate professional and worker everyday, as he brings his best to the field. Cary is great in the class room also as he sports a gpa over a 3.5. I look for him to do some big things on the field for us this spring."

 

Chris Schwarzer signed on with University of South Carolina at Aiken an NCAA Division II program located in Aiken, South Carolina. USC-Aiken was ranked as high as #5 in the NCAA Division II baseball poll last season and finished the year ranked #18 with a strong history of success under Head Coach Kenny Thomas. As a freshman, Chris started at catcher and led the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association Conference in throwing out the most would-be base stealers, with 14 runners caught stealing and was a defensive force behind the plate. Coach Williams stated, "Chris is the best defensive catcher around that can really control the running game with his arm and ability behind the plate. He gives our pitchers a sense of comfort knowing they can focus on pitching instead of trying to control the running game. I look forward to seeing Chris continue to develop and bring leadership at a very important position being a catcher."

 

Jacob Lane signed with University of West Georgia an NCAA Division II program located in Carrollton, GA. University of West Georgia finished last season ranked #22 in the polls under the leadership of Head Coach Skip Fite. As a freshman, Jacob was used out of the bullpen as he made 13 appearances on the season. Jacob possesses a fastball that sits in the upper 80's and has been clocked as high as 91 mph. Jacob moves into the starting rotation this year for the Tigers and looks to anchor the pitching staff. Coach Williams stated, "Jacob is a great story and a kid that we signed as a third baseman and hitter but halfway through the fall of his freshman year, we started converting him to a pitcher. Jacob jumped in full steam ahead and really took to pitching and approached his daily work with a passion to get better. In such a short time frame of him being a pitcher, he has come a long way and the sky is the limit for him on the mound. I look to see where his future takes him as he continues to develop and his velo will keep climbing."

 

Mike Branche signed with University of West Florida an NCAA Division II program located in Pensacola, FL. University of West Florida finished last season ranked #23 in the polls under the leadership of Head Coach Mike Jeffcoat. As a freshman, Mike started at third base, playing in 52 games and supplied a strong bat to the middle of the lineup as he had a .309 avg, 8 doubles, 5 homeruns, and 28 RBI on the season.  Coach Williams stated, "Mike has been bounced around a little bit in his college career before he got to us. All he needed was a place that he could showcase his skill set and let everyone know what they were missing out on. Mike was a great addition to our team last year and he has really prospered and taken off offensively and defensively. Mike brings it every day with his work ethic and drive to get better and I look for him to anchor the middle of our lineup this season for us."