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Hargrave's Goodyear signs to play college baseball
By SUSAN WORLEY/Star-Tribune Staff Writer
Monday, February 25, 2008 8:46 AM EST
Hargrave Military Academy senior Zach Goodyear has signed a letter of intent to play baseball next year for Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, Tenn.
"I went there for a visit and felt like I was in the right place to continue my baseball career," said Goodyear. "The atmosphere and coaches were great. It's a good school and I can see me being there and playing baseball four years."
The Tennessee Bulldogs have won the Appalachian Athletic Conference six years in a row, since 2002. They were regional champions in 2004 and 2006.
Last year's 18-0 perfect conference record was a first for Wesleyan. They were 46-14 overall last season and were ranked seventh in the nation.
Tennessee Wesleyan has sent 12 players to the majors in the past three years.
"Zach has worked hard to get where he is going," said Hargrave head baseball coach Scott Roach. "I just can't find the words to say how proud I am of him."
Goodyear contributed for the Hargrave Tigers at third base and as a catcher and pitcher. He led the Virginia Independent Conference in RBIs with 43 and posted a .548 batting average.
Hargrave assistant baseball coach Ronnie Haymore said, "Zach will be good in their lineup. He will fill in the baseline well at third base. He will be a good worker for them.
"We had to utilize Zach in a lot of places. He never quit. He gave 110 percent. He can play with anybody. Zach is an example of a kid who works hard."
The young cadet said his Hargrave coaches taught him a work ethic that was useful on the field and in the classroom. "They got me where I am today," he added.
Goodyear's parents, Jim and Kira Goodyear of Stuarts Draft, were in town to watch their son officially make his college choice, which includes an $8,000 annual scholarship.
Jim Goodyear is a 1984 Hargrave graduate.
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