Cavaliers’ Hanson heading to LaGrange College
Published 11:03 pm Sunday, May 14, 2017
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By Kevin Eckleberry
kevin.eckleberry@lagrangenews.com
LAGRANGE – He’s ready to be a Panther.
Callaway High’s Josh Hanson, who has been the staff ace for the past two seasons, is eager for a new challenge, and he’ll find it at LaGrange College.
Hanson is heading to LaGrange College to join the baseball program, and he was a part of a signing ceremony on Friday in the Callaway High gymnasium.
Hanson’s teammate, Dylan Johnson, has signed a letter of intent to play baseball at the University of West Georgia.
“When I toured (different colleges), I wanted to stay close to home,” Hanson said. “I toured LaGrange College, and I loved it, and I get to play baseball there.”
LaGrange College head coach David Kelton is getting a big-time pitcher.
Hanson, who won eight games this season, helped lead the Cavaliers to a region championship and a spot in the second round of the state playoffs.
When Hanson was at his best, which was most of the time, he was close to unhittable.
In his final game, a 3-2 loss to Dodge County, Hanson gave up just two hits in the eight-inning game.
Callaway head coach Dusty Hubbard said Hanson and Johnson “made our program better.”
“It’s guys like this that put our program on the map, and allowed us to move in a positive direction,” Hubbard said. “I’m proud of them.”
Hubbard added that “these two guys are going to be very successful in life. They’re very good people, people we as a coaching staff enjoyed being around day in and day out.”
Hanson is joining a program that’s riding high.
Under head coach David Kelton, LaGrange College is 38-4, and it will participate in the NCAA Division III national tournament next week.
“They’ve had a phenomenal year,” Hanson said. “Hopefully they will next year, too.”
Looking back, Hanson said it’s been an enjoyable ride at Callaway, and he’s enjoyed plenty of success.
During Hanson’s four seasons, the Cavaliers have won three region championships, they finished second another year, and they’ve won six playoff series.
“I’ve loved it,” Hanson said. “I wish I could do these four years again.”
Hubbard said Hanson and Johnson are both in good hands.
“For these two guys, it’s a very special event, a very special time in their lives,” Hubbard said. “For the parents, it’s a tough time. Your babies are leaving you and going on.
“I do know the places these guys are going, they’ll be well taken care of. They’re going to good programs.”
OF NOTE: For photos from Friday’s signing ceremony, check out Facebook.com/LDNSports
