By Scott Mitchell

A&E/Sports Editor

Three members of the Brookhaven College men’s baseball team have signed letters of intent to attend four-year universities based on their performance with the Bears baseball team.

Clay Holtom, Ryan Flynn and Shane Sharkey are sophomores who signed with National Collegiate Athletic Association universities.

Holtom, centerfielder and pitcher for the Bears, signed with University of Texas – Pan American. UTPA, located in Edinburg, Texas, has a Division I baseball program. Holtom has been playing baseball since he was four years old, and participated in club ball prior to his time at Brookhaven. He said it was a relief knowing the future of his baseball career.

Holtom chose the UTPA team for its winning record as well as the scholarship it offered. “My time at Brookhaven with the coaches has taught me more about the game of baseball and the little things that come with being successful in the sport,” Holtom said.

Flynn signed his letter of intent with Southern University, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Southern University also has a Division I baseball team. Flynn, a Brookhaven pitcher, said, “Once I signed, it was a huge sigh of relief. Knowing I get to continue playing D-I baseball after this year has been a dream come true.”

Flynn is grateful for the direction Brookhaven’s coaching staff gave him during his time with the Bears. “Having the coaching staff of Coach Rains, Coach Lorber and Coach Stefan has taught me many tools, drills and other tips that will help me succeed at the NCAA D-I level,” Flynn said.

Sharkey, sophomore infielder for the Bears, will be transferring to Tarleton State University, located in Stephenville, Texas, with a full athletic scholarship. Sharkey is a team captain on this season’s baseball team.

Following this good news, the Brookhaven Bears fought all the way to victory. In a three-game weekend, the Bears won two games against the Cedar Valley Suns. Due to the timely losses of other teams in its division, the Bears came out on top, becoming the Metro Athletic Conference co-champion and tying North Lake College with a 19-11 record. This was the first time the Bears obtained this title.

The title has put Brookhaven on track for further victories as the team pursues entry into the NCJAA World Series. The NCJAA regional tournament, which the Bears will be competing in, is the weekend of May 17. Head coach Brandon Rains asks for the continued support of the Brookhaven community.