DIVISION I SIGNEESBaseballT.J. Binder, Ooltewah, C-3B-1B, to TroyDrew Toth, Ooltewah, OF, to Tennessee TechWrestlingLandon Reed, Heritage, 141-149, to UTCZach Watson, Baylor, 133-141, to Virginia
Ooltewah High School outfielder Drew Toth became the second Owls baseball player to sign a Division I scholarship on Wednesday, joining Tennessee Tech.
"He'll do well. He's a 'plus' runner and he has begun to put it together offensively," Owls coach Brian Hitchcox said.
T.J. Binder, a third baseman who also can play first base and catch, followed through on his previously announced commitment to sign with Troy University, and Ooltewah middle infielder Cody Rhinehart is headed to Bryan College.
Toth hit .385 last spring.
"He was our leadoff hitter. He had 18 stolen bases and led the team in runs scored," Hitchcox said.
While Binder is expected to make an immediate impact at Troy, Toth may have to bide his time.
"It all depends on how well he swings it," Hitchcox said. "He took a big step forward for us in the spring and then had a good summer with Cyclones, and I think this fall he has been putting it together offensively. He is already a good outfielder with a good arm."
Rhinehart hits well and has been among the Cyclones' leading hitters this fall.
"He had to play shortstop for us last year and he did well, but he's a natural second baseman," Hitchcox said. "He is a very good hit-and-run guy and a very good two-strike hitter."