By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily News

It was a big day for a handful of Callaway High student-athletes.

During a ceremony in the Callaway gymnasium, six seniors who enjoyed successful athletic careers at the school announced their intention to play a sport in college.

Included in that group were four members of the Callaway baseball team that reached the semifinals of the state playoffs before losing to Rockmart last week.

Callaway’s football team, softball team, track team, and cross-country team were also represented at the signing ceremony.

“These are the types of students you want as a coach with the jersey on,” said Pete Wiggins, Callaway High’s athletics director and head football coach. “They represent the school the right way. They work hard, they’re positive, and that’s what it’s all about. They’re good kids.”

Three of the signees are heading to LaGrange College.

First baseman Braelin Mitchell and outfielder Trent Sheppard, multi-year starters on the Callaway baseball team, will enroll at LaGrange College and play for coach David Kelton’s Panthers.

Drake Wade, Callaway’s shortstop and dynamic leadoff hitter, has signed with Southern Union.

Bryce Kurian was a second baseman on the baseball team, but he’s going to LaGrange College to join the football team.

Kurian was a wide receiver and holder for the Callaway football team that reached the state semifinals.

Mitchell, Sheppard, Wade and Kurian helped lead Callaway to back-to-back appearances in the state semifinals.

Jasmine Dukes, a four-year starter on Callaway’s softball team, has signed with Claflin University (S.C.).

Dukes was a key player on the 2017 team that gave Callaway’s softball program its first-ever victory in the state playoffs.

Ian Dougherty, a cross-country standout who also participated in track and field as a senior, has signed with Point University.

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