By Erik Harris, sports editor
SPRINGVILLE — The Springville baseball program recently celebrated two scholarship signings.
Family and friends gathered at the SHS campus for the signing ceremony last Thursday, as seniors Owen Prickett and Jake Goolsby finalized their college plans.
Both players are headed to Lawson State Community College to play for the Panthers. Prickett, a right-hander with a 1.888 ERA as a senior, is a big addition to the Lawson State pitching staff.
Prickett went 6-3 for the Tigers last season and issued only eight walks in 59 ⅓ innings pitched.
“Owen is a super competitor and his leadership will be sorely missed,” said Springville head coach Jonathan Ford. “It is a great feeling when you can put a guy on the mound and know that he will battle with everything he has.
Goolsby, on the other hand, will add significant pop to the Panthers’ lineup. The first baseman led Springville in multiple hitting categories, including average (.460), doubles (14), RBIs (39), on-base percentage (.574) and home runs (four).
“Jake was a staple in the middle of the lineup and every time he came up, he was a threat to do damage,” said Ford. “This was evident as he was walked six times in the first round against Fort Payne.
“The ball just sounded different off of his bat. Everyone realizes Jake can hit, but he can really handle first base as well.”
Prickett and Goolsby helped guide Springville to a 22-13 record and a second-round playoff run last season.