RINGGOLD, Ga. — Armstrong Atlantic State University needed a third baseman and a catcher for its 2008-09 Division II baseball team. It just happened that Ringgold High School had one of each looking for a school.
One visit later, all parties involved were happy after Ringgold seniors Drew Walker and Justin Harris committed to the Savannah, Ga., program this week.
“They called one day looking or a catcher and third baseman, so the guys went for a visit,” Ringgold coach Brent Tucker said. “Armstrong called and made an offer, and they took it. They’re getting two good ones.”
Walker, an all-star third baseman, is off to a .545 start with three home runs this season, while Harris is hitting .456 in addition to showing off his catching skills. The two admit getting to go at the same time made the decision easier.
“It’s nice, because going to school five hours away, I was skeptical at first,” Walker said. “But we’re going to get to room together, and it will be nice to already have a friend there.”
Armstrong Atlantic is currently ranked 21st in NCAA Division II.
“I liked that they were one of the top teams in the nation,” said Harris, who was also recruited to pitch when not catching. “They have some real good guys down there, and I felt at home after visiting.”
Lindsey Young is a sports writer at the Chattanooga Times Free Press who started work at the Chattanooga News-Free Press 24 years ago. He covers the Northwest Georgia prep beat and NASCAR. Lindsey’s hometown is Ringgold, Ga., and he graduated from Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School. He received an associate’s degree from Dalton Junior College (now Dalton State) and a bachelor’s degree in communications from UTC. He has won several writing awards, including two Tennessee Sports ...
