Laurence Manning trio signs to play college baseball
Three Laurence Manning baseball players signed to continue their athletic careers on Wednesday.
The Campbell brothers, Jackson and Davis, both signed to play together at Francis Marion, while catcher Austin Geddings signed with Coker.
"It's satisfying," said Laurence Manning head coach Barry Hatfield of seeing three players sign to play college baseball. "I've seen these kids grow up. I've seen how they've grown not only on the baseball field but in the classroom. To see them get the opportunity play more baseball while getting their education is very satisfying."
All three were thrilled to have the chance to continue their careers.
"It means everything," Davis said. "I'm just giving God all the glory. My family, I couldn't be here without them and my coaches."
Jackson echoed the sentiment, "It's really important. I'd like to thank God and my coaches, everyone who helped me along the way, my teammates and everyone."
"It's fun. It's exciting," Geddings added.
The Campbell brothers hoped to play together in college but were committed to individually finding the right fit. When they each received offers from Francis Marion, it seemed like the perfect opportunity.
"We didn't really set (on signing together) until we got the offers from Francis Marion. We got a few more offers and both decided we wanted to go there because Florence is close and family will be able to come watch us play," Davis said. "I think it's big that me and him are going together. It helps a lot committing together, taking that next step with each other and knowing there will be someone I already know there will help a lot."
Jackson is looking forward to the opportunity to continue playing with his brother.
"It's real special to be able to go to the same college as my brother and be able to play the game that I love and be able to play that game with him," said the senior southpaw.
The Campbells each had multiple offers, but Jackson knew Francis Marion was going to be the place to go.
"When we went there on our visit, it really clicked with me that this is somewhere I'd really like to be for the next four years," Jackson said. "It seemed like it could be special."
Geddings, meanwhile, likes the tight-knit environment at Coker.
"I went to a couple of camps talked to coaches, then I went and toured Coker and I really liked it there," Geddings said. "It's smaller, so everything is right next to each other. The baseball field isn't far from the school and the classes."
All three Swampcats are out to a great start this season. LMA is 8-0 early in the season with the Campbells and Geddings being major contributors. Jackson, a left-handed pitcher primarily, pitched a three-hit shutout against Pinewood Prep in his last appearance. Jackson has an ERA of 1.17 through three starts, striking out 17 batters in the process. At the dish, he's hitting .556. Davis is batting .450 on the season, while primarily playing in the outfield. He's driven in five runs and scored seven times. Behind the plate, Geddings is hitting .520 with seven doubles and 11 RBIs.
All three players stressed a desire to build on their early season momentum as they strive to bring a state title back to Laurence Manning.
"We've gotten out to a good start; coach Hat has gotten us ready," Davis said. "Just seeing what we can do, hopefully we can bring a state championship home. We've just got to keep working."
Geddings plays catcher for Laurence Manning but may move to the outfield to earn a spot in the lineup. He's looking forward to the challenge of competing at Coker.
"I want to see if I can handle it," Geddings said of college baseball. "See if I can push myself."
Davis has his eyes set on developing as a baseball player at Francis Marion.
"Mostly looking forward to seeing how much I can progress from now to when I'm a senior in college," said Davis.
As for Jackson, he's just excited to see a childhood dream come true.
"College baseball is something that I've always wanted to do, so I'm excited about the whole thing," Jackson said.