By By BRUCE HIXON – Sports Editor
While there have been a few defections in the Jefferson Davis Community College baseball program since head coach Jim Morrill was released of his position at the end of the season, there has been no mass exodus.
At least, not yet.
So far two freshmen players and one recruit have had their releases signed.
Nick Porter, a freshman righthanded pitcher from Gulf Breeze (Fla.), will follow Morrill to his new school at Calhoun Community College.
Porter was 5-4 this past spring with a 4.81 earned run average. He fanned 55 batters in 63 and two-thirds innings. Opposing batters hit .229 against him.
Clay Mather, a freshman third baseman from Penscaola (Fla.), has decided to stay at home and transfer to Pensacola Junior College.
Mather appeared in 10 games this past spring and hit .360 (nine-for-25) with three RBIs.
One recruit who has been granted his release is Ben Jackson, a lefthanded pitcher from Theodore. Jackson has since signed with Faulkner State College.
While those three have been the only defections from the program so far, JDCC athletic director Karen Reynolds said her phone has been constantly ringing from players and parents of players who are involved in the program.
The first phase for finding Morrill's replacement ended Tuesday when the school stopped accepting applications for the position.
JDCC president Susan McBride indicated a search committee is in the process of being put together and will decide which of the applicants have met at least the minimum qualifications for the position. The committee will then interview those qualified individuals and recommend three candidates who will be brought in for second interviews.
The JDCC baseball program will be holding tryouts June 27 at 1 p.m. at the JDCC Field. Any players who will be attending JDCC in the upcoming school year are encouraged to participate.
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Personal and business ads for the 2005 T.R. Miller High School football program are now on sale.
Ads can be reserved by contacting Don Lucas at 363-4373. Ads need to be reserved by June 24.
The T.R. Miller Quarterback Club also has a limited number of stadium seats for sale. Those can also be purchased by contacting Lucas.