Cougars Ink Two Early Signees for Baseball
Columbus, GA - Columbus State baseball coach Greg Appleton kicked off the 2009 early signing period Wednesday morning announcing the signing of infielders Garrett Houghton and Kenny Miller. The two signees both come from tradition rich programs and will be fine additions to the CSU Baseball program.
Garrett Houghton, coached by Lance Oubs, is a senior at The Lovett School in Atlanta, Georgia. Garrett helped lead the Lions to the 2009 Georgia AA State Championship, it was Lovett's 6th baseball state championship. During the team's run to the championship, Houghton played a crucial role hitting a game winning, come from behind, grand slam to clinch the region championship. He would go on to hit two more playoff homeruns and on the season batted .434 with runners in scoring position while tallying 4 homers. This past summer and fall, Houghton played for the East Cobb Shamrocks coached by Ryan Nelson and led the team in several offensive categories. Defensively, Houghton can play first base, catcher, or outfield. Appleton loves Houghton's versatility and believes if he continues to progress he will be able to make an immediate impact in 2011. "Garrett is everything you look for in a student athlete. He is an excellent student, plays for a great high school program, and has a strong passion for playing the game of baseball" says Appleton.
Kenny Miller, a middle infielder, will come to CSU from Parkview High School in Lilburn, Georgia. Miller, a 6'2" rangy shortstop, will follow a long line of Panther graduates through the Columbus State baseball program. In his junior season, Miller posted a .340 batting average with 6 doubles, 3 triples, and a home run. He scored 25 runs and knocked in 12 runs while adding 8 steals. Miller also held down the shortstop position for Coach Chan Brown's Parkview squad by fielding at a very impressive .951 percentage. This past summer Miller was named to the prestigious Georgia Dugout Club's Top 100 players. He has been named to the Panthers of Distinction Club twice and has been a scholar athlete 3 times while at Parkview. Appleton believes that much like Houghton, Miller can play a variety of positions and could help the Cougars out next season at either SS, 2B, or 3B. "Every time we saw Kenny play last spring and this summer he got hit after hit and made play after play. He is a solid ball player who we believe has the ability to become a very good collegiate baseball player during his Cougar career" added Appleton.
Appleton and his staff will announce more signings this coming week as confirmations arrive. The early signing period ends Wednesday, November 18. CSU opens the 2010 season on February 3 at Ragsdale Field against the University of West Georgia.
