WESSON — Copiah-Lincoln Community College head baseball coachKeith Case has announced the signings of two of his top playersseason with Delta State University. They are sophomores Colby Beachof Roxie and Patrick Williams of Crystal Springs who are joiningthe NCAA Division II National Champion Statesmen.

“I feel this is a good move for everybody involved,” Case said.”Coach (Mike) Kinnison does a great job at Delta State, and I knowColby and Pat will do well under him.”

Beach and Williams picked Delta State over a host of Division IIand III schools. Both plan to enroll at Delta State following theirsophomore campaign at Co-Lin.

“Delta State has a lot of tradition, and Pat and Colby are thetype of players who will help them continue that tradition,” addedCase. “Both are hard-nosed, and should be very successful.”

Williams, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound middle infielder, was one ofthe hottest hitters in Co-Lin’s lineup last season. Williams batted.354, with nine homers, 46 RBI, and 20 stolen bases. He earnedAll-State and All-Region 23 honors.

As for Beach, the 6-1, 205-pound right-handed hurler was almostuntouchable near the end of last season. Beach went 6-6 on themound, with a 4.86 earned run average (ERA). He struck out 67, andwalked 43.

“Colby’s stats are really deceiving,” continued Case. “He madesome adjustments, and was unbeatable in the second half of theseason.”

Beach’s last two wins on the mound, were two of his biggest. Hebeat Mississippi Delta Community College in the State Tournamentand Hinds in the Region 23 Tournament semifinals.

“I liked the visit up there and I liked the coaches a lot,” saidBeach. “It’s a good school.”

Current Co-Lin pitching coach Bryan Nobile played for theStatesmen in 2000 and 2001. He was named 2000 Relief Pitcher of theYear in the Gulf South Conference. Nobile served as a graduateassistant under Kinnison in 2002 and 2003.