Shortstop Brett Rushing and catcher Zach Williams became a partof West Lincoln athletic history when they both signed baseballscholarships with the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Wolfpack. Itis believed to be the first time West Lincoln has had two baseballplayers sign with Co-Lin the same year.

Chuckie Stracener, a hard-throwing pitcher, was the last WestLincoln baseball player to sign with Co-Lin and that was in 1998.He was a member of Co-Lin’s 2000 NJCAA World Series team.

West Lincoln coach Steve Barrington said he was proud of theaccomplishments achieved by Rushing and Williams. He said they havea bright future in college baseball.

“Brett and Zach both worked hard to improve their skills,” saidBarrington. “Brett is one of the best hitters around.”

Rushing, 6-foot and 150 pounds, is currently batting .519 forthe Bears. He has hit 2 homers and 2 triples. He has 13 RBIs to hiscredit as his team contends for the Division 8-1A title thisseason.

Rushing played a guard position for WL’s basketball team.

“Zach is a very good catcher,” said Barrington. “It’s likehaving another coach on the field. His throws are improving. Heblocks the plate and receives well.”

Williams (5-10, 200) is batting .525. He has 1 homer and 5doubles to his credit, plus 6 RBIs.

Barrington is in his third year at the helm of West Lincoln’sbaseball fortunes.

Co-Lin coach Keith Case said he was happy to have Rushing andWilliams on his 2010 roster. “Brett swings the bat extremely well.He’s a good athlete and a good person. He can play infield oroutfield for us. He has the body frame to become a lotstronger.”

Catcher is a critical position in college and Case thinksWilliams can make the adjustment. “Zach is a pretty good catcherand he’s going to get better. If he makes the adjustments at thenext level, he can really help us. He works hard to getbetter.”

Rushing, redheaded son of Darrell and Janice Rushing, said hewas undecided about his major in college. He is interested inforestry management.

“I’m pretty excited about playing college baseball,” saidRushing. “I’m looking forward to playing for Coach Case.”

Asked about his favorite Major League Baseball Player, Rushingsaid he liked Philadelphia shortstop Jimmy Rollins. His favoriteteam is the Atlanta Braves.

Williams, the son of Ricky and Gay Williams, said he admires thecatching skills of Atlanta’s Brian McCann. He also likes theBraves.

Physical therapy and sports medicine are two of the preferredcareer options Williams is considering.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to play for Co-Lin,” saidWilliams. “I plan to work hard for Coach Case.”

Both players said Barrington had provided them with diligentinstruction to improve their baseball skills.

“Coach has helped me with my hitting and my fielding,” saidRushing.

Williams said, “Coach Barrington has helped me a lot, especiallywith the mechanics of the game.”

Rushing and Williams both played for the Southwest select teamthat was based in Franklin County and coached by McComb assistantBrian Ebey last summer. The team advanced to the nationaltournament in Omaha, Neb.

Other Co-Lin signees from Lincoln County this year are pitchersRyan Kennedy of Enterprise and Drew Weaver of Loyd Star, andinfielder Bud Britt of Brookhaven.

Case also has signed Lee Mashburn, an outfielder; and DerekSanders, an infielder from Simpson Academy.

Also signed was Gage Wilson from Central Private, a right-handedpitcher.