Tyrell Signs with Volunteer State

The first wave of high school signings took place just as the early signing period began last month. Close to a dozen athletes from the Montgomery County area signed their names on intent letters to ensure four more years of athletics at the college level.

Clarksville High's Kendall Tyrell and Northwest's Antonio Alejos join that group after signing their own scholarships last week. Tyrell signed to play baseball at Vol State Community College while Alejos signed a track and cross country scholarship at Tennessee Wesleyan University.

"Vol State isn't too far from home and they made me feel welcomed," Tyrell said. "It felt like home."

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound senior was recruited as a catcher and said Vol State coaches have already signed another catcher that will compete for the position.  "It's going to give us some great competition," Tyrell said. "It's going to push us to be our best because if you want to play, you have to earn the right to play."

Tyrell said he decided on a two-year school because he wanted to develop his skills while getting a chance to mature. "It's really the best situation for me," he said. "I mean I'm going to work toward getting to a four-year school but right now Vol State can groom me to get there."

The Clarksville High senior had a strong junior year last season. He batted .320 with 31 hits, 26 singles, 5 doubles, 21 RBIs and nine runs scored while making the 2016 All Area Baseball Team. Jackson State Community College also showed interest in Tyrell but the Wildcats standout was impressed with Vol State's approach.

"The coaching staff was straight forward with me," Tyrell said. "That's all you can ask is honesty. They told me it would be tough and the expectations are high. They expect me to be on time to class and to practice. Workouts are going to be tough too. But that's the great thing about playing at Clarksville High and for coach (Brian) Hetland. I'm going to go to Vol State ready."

Full Article by George Robinson of The Leaf Chronicle