By TYLER RALEY | Staff Writer

CHELSEA – Signing on a dotted line with pictures being snapped all around the room, four Chelsea High School baseball players were honored on Friday, Nov. 21 as they prepare to take a leap into college athletics next year.

Brock Garrett, Grant Hill, Luke Neill and Silas Osburn all signed with collegiate programs, with Garrett heading to Central Alabama Community College, Hill signing with Grand Canyon University, Neill committed to Snead State Community College and Osburn signing with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

All four players were key factors in the Hornets making an appearance in the Class 6A state championship series last season, where they ultimately fell to powerhouse Hartselle in three games.

Head coach Michael Stallings reflected on the accomplishment for the players, discussing the significance for all four of them to reach this moment.

“It’s just unbelievable man,” Stallings said. “The amount of success that we’ve had with getting to this part each year has been unbelievable. These four guys have worked tremendously hard to get to this point and to have this opportunity. I’m just extremely proud of them.”

During his short remarks, Garrett thanked his parents and coaches for their support and thanked God for the chance to play the sport he loves in college.

“I just want to thank God for giving me the ability to play at the next level,” Garrett said. “I just want to thank my mom for always supporting me, my dad for always being there and pushing me, even when it’s hard. I just thank coach Thomas for giving me the ability to play at the next level, just all the coaches—coach Stallings, coach Holmes, coach Harris, coach Schmidt, coach Conner.”

Hill is set to go to Grand Canyon to play for the Antelopes, who have been on the rise in the college baseball world as of late, becoming a powerhouse Western Athletic Conference and making three out of the last five NCAA Tournaments.

Grand Canyon has now made the move to the Mountain West Conference and will face a tougher bout of competition in conference play, trying to continue their rise among the mid-major programs in Division I baseball.

Hill also gave gratitude to his faith and family for all they have done throughout his baseball career.