PEARCY -- Lake Hamilton senior Easton Hurley signed to play college baseball for Southern Arkansas University Nov. 15.
The lefty pitcher and outfielder said he was excited for signing day.
"I am," Hurley said. "I am pumped. We set up the tables and everyone comes and visits and we go down the arena and sign."
While laughing, Hurley said it was a good excuse to get out of class.
As Lake Hamilton's director of communications Brian Bridges announced Hurley, Bridges said, "This is the only time we are allowed to celebrate blue and gold in this arena."
A nice quip to SAU and cross-county rival Lakeside for sharing the same colors.
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Lake Hamilton head baseball coach Matthew Weigand said as long as it is the Muleriders, it is OK.
"We would like to congratulate Easton as well on this opportunity to go play for coach Justin Pettigrew and one of the best baseball programs in the nation at Southern Arkansas University," Weigand said. "It has been a real privilege to get to coach Easton and watch him compete at a high level in three different sports, which is incredibly hard to do. And it is very impressive."
After Weigand gave his speech, Hurley signed his national letter of intent to join SAU's squad after the culmination of his senior year.
SAU went 40-18 last season and made the NCAA Central Region Tournament. The Muleriders have a storied program, Weigand said.
Hurley said his excitement of signing was high.
"I am excited," Hurley said. "I really am."
Weigand highlighted Hurley's 2023 baseball campaign.
"Last season for us, Easton was one of the top performers in the conference," he said. "He hit almost .400, had 28 hits and only had four strikeouts. He was also our closer on the mound where he recorded 47 strikeouts in just 29 innings and only gave up six earned runs all year. Easton was selected All-Conference his sophomore and junior year."
Hurley said he is prepared for his senior season as a Wolf.
"I am focused on getting back healthy," Hurley said, "and playing baseball."
Emotions were high when Hurley signed as he is overcoming a leg injury, taking away his football and basketball seasons. However, Hurley said he would be ready to go for baseball, his true passion.
Weigand discussed Hurley as an athlete.
"He is just a winner," Weigand said. "He plays in three different sports. Not only does he play in three different sports, he plays in three different sports at a high level. He is a quarterback, point guard, he is one of our top pitchers, center fielder and leadoff hitter. He is the definition of a winner. He is going to a baseball program that expects to win, SAU. They are one of the top in the nation every year at the Division II level. Man, I am extremely excited for him."
Weigand said he was excited to see what his senior heavy group of pitchers can do this season. Weigand wants to get back to the state tournament, and he has three college-level pitchers to help the Wolves do it.