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SOFTBALL NEWS |
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LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY Office of Sports Information Sports Release December 5, 2007 LMU Softball Signs Largest Recruiting Class Ever HARROGATE, TN – Lincoln Memorial University Head Softball Coach Dan Burns eagerly announced the signing of seven players for the 2008-09 season Wednesday morning. With the 2008 spring schedule less than three months away, Burns has been looking forward to the Lady Railsplitters' needs next season. The NCAA allows its NCAA Division II member institutions to sign student-athletes for softball during the early period which runs from November 14-21. Signees for the 2008-09 season include Meagan Effler, product of Union County High School in Maynardville, Tennessee. Effler posted a .282 batting average and a .825 fielding percentage last year while earning valedictorian honors and National Honor Roll status, and participating in the Beta Club. “Meagan is a smart, talented player that shows leadership on and off the field,” said Union County Head Coach Lance Lay. “She has been a true asset to our program and will be greatly missed.” Effler will pursue a degree in nursing while attending LMU. Kris Landenburg, a 5’8” pitcher/outfielder from Canal Winchester, Ohio, was another addition for next season. “Kris has a great attitude,” says Burns. "She throws around 59 with a variety of pitches, and she is a line-drive hitter with power.” Landenburg is a product of Canal Winchester High School and played her prep career for Randy Hinton. Landenburg is a 2nd Team All-Mid State League selection and helped her team win the Central District Sectional Championship. She was a perfect 10-0 last season at a pitcher and finished the year with a 0.66 ERA. She will be majoring in secondary education. Brooklynn Jimison comes to the Lady Railsplitter program as a product of nearby Middlesboro High School. While playing for the Lady Yellow Jackets, Jimison was an all-state player, and is a pitcher with power who throws in the low 60’s. “Brooklynn will be a dominant player,” says Burns. She holds numerous records at Middlesboro High School and will compete for time also at the 1st base and designated hitter positions for us.” Last year Jimison turned in a 0.55 ERA from inside the circle and recorded a .622 batting average. From the state of Ohio, Bridget Eicher, a 5’3” shortstop from Fairview High School chose to play her collegiate career at Lincoln Memorial University. “Bridget is one of the best shortstops I have ever recruited,” says Burns. She had an outstanding junior year and hit .481 while possessing a cannon for an arm.” Eicher is also an Honor Roll student and has received Northwest Ohio Scholar-Athlete awards in 2006 and 2007. Eicher will pursue a degree in nursing. Shortstop Joy Grills, from West Salem, Ohio, comes to the Lady Railsplitter program with a great deal of prep accolades. In 2007, Grills was named 1st Team All-Suburban League, 1st Team All-Medina County, 1st Team Honorable Mention All-Northeast Ohio, All-Gazette Team/Medina County and All-Star Softball Team/Rittman Trading Post. The 5’6” Grills recorded a .385 batting average her junior year and knocked in 17 RBI. She is undecided as to what major she will pursue at Lincoln Memorial University. Another local product that has signed early with the Lady Railsplitters is Kingsport Dobyns-Bennett High School's Chelley Christian. A 5’5” outfielder, Christian played her prep career for Head Coach Jerry Higgins. “Chelley will play the outfield for us,” states Burns. 'She is experienced and is a very fast and athletic player. I believe she will give us a solid performance next year.” Christian has received the American Achievement Academy Award for excellence in foreign language, is listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students and is a Tennessee/Virginia Scholar. Burns last signee, Megan Nicole Ryan, is a 5’3” infielder/outfielder that comes to the Lady Railsplitters from Hendersonville, Tennessee. A standout at Hendersonville High School, Ryan was an All-MTSCA Academic Team selection last year. “Meagan is an outstanding infielder and hitter,” says Burns. “She has speed to burn and is 2.8 seconds from home to first. What I like is that she is also an excellent defensive player which will allow her more time on the field.” Ryan will major in kinesiology. Also signing recently was Sammy Joe Garrett (Wartburg, TN). Garrett will graduate high school early this December and will join the LMU softball program for the spring 2008 season. She comes to the Lady Railsplitters as a slap-bunter who hit .400 last season and stole 78 bases with 2.8 speed from home to first. Her speed on the base paths will be a welcomed addition to the Lady Railsplitter softball program. According to Burns, the 2008-08 recruiting class isn’t an ordinary class. “Not only is this the largest recruiting class we have ever signed in one period, I believe it is possibly one of the most talented. All these kids put up great numbers in high school and should do well on the college level when they adjust to the collegiate game.” Another advantage that may benefit not only the new signees but the entire Lady Railsplitter program will be the chemistry of bringing in so many new athletes at one time. While the early stages may take some getting used to, the longer the team has to play together can only make them better as a unit. The 2008 Lady Railsplitters begin the spring schedule February 2 when they travel to Due West, South Carolina, to take on Erskine College. -LMU- For additional comments please contact, Head Coach: Dan Burns Phone: (423) 869-6242 |