A cold, drizzling rain soaked the Bogue Chitto campus Tuesday afternoon. It felt like the depths of a dreary winter in Mississippi. Would the rain and cold ever end?

Inside the Bogue Chitto library, bright smiles illuminated the scene. It was a warm, happy time for two families and their children. Pitcher Rheagan Welch and catcher Adrienne Wallace were signing softball scholarship papers with Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

Co-Lin softball coach Allen Kent smiled with pleasure. Two of his prized recruits were joining the Lady Wolves.

Bogue Chitto’s Scott Leggett, coach of a mini softball dynasty, nodded his approval and posed for pictures with both players and their families. Leggett has Welch and Wallace for another fastpitch softball season this spring before they migrate to Co-Lin’s Wesson campus.

Both girls have been an important part of Bogue Chitto’s success story. Welch was winning state championship games as a freshman. Wallace was contributing big RBI hits in the title chase that brought home state championships in 2010 and 2011.

“These are two great players,” said Leggett, leaning against a book shelf. “They have been starters since seventh grade. They both played a big part in our state championships.”

Welch, a 5-foot-6 right-hander, has an arsenal of pitches: curve, changeup, fastball, screwball, dropball riseball and drop curve. She has been in the circle since the 9th grade.

She has won 36 games in three seasons and absorbed 11 losses. She was 14-6 as a junior and 11-1 as a sophomore. She has accumulated 283 strikeouts, averaging 97.6 Ks per season.

“I’m excited and looking forward to playing for Co-Lin,” said Welch. She plans to pursue a career in nursing.

Her parents, Ricky and Paula Welch, were present for the ceremony. Ricky, a 1984 BC grad, played basketball and baseball for the Bobcats. An older daughter, Devon, played softball at Co-Lin in 2007.

The 5-foot-4 Wallace, who also excels at guard in basketball, has been a softball varsity starter since the 7th grade. She has a .410 career batting average. As a sophomore she was ranked second in the state in RBIs with 49. She batted .488 last season when BC finished 18-8.

“Co-Lin is a hometown school and I know a lot of people up there,” said Wallace. “It’s great to have a teammate with me at Co-Lin.”

She is considering a career in physical therapy.

On Co-Lin’s softball team this spring are two former Bogue Chitto standouts: shortstop Josie Porter and second baseman Bradi Davis.

Adrienne’s parents, Kenneth and Dana Wallace, were present for the signing. Their son, Garrett, plays soccer at Co-Lin. Kenneth is a 1986 BC grad who played basketball and baseball in high school. His wife, the former Dana Pennington, played basketball at Brookhaven Academy for Coach Gene “Moochie” Britt.

Both signees played softball for the Southern Ice travel team last summer. “We got to be with friends and players we will be with next year,” said Wallace.

Before next year, Welch and Wallace hope to lead the Lady Cats to another state championship. The 2013 campaign begins with a jamboree Feb. 16, at Lawrence County, versus LCHS and Franklin County.

Leggett knows his team will be short-handed because most of them are on BC’s state playoff -bound basketball team. His first regular-season game is Feb. 25, hosting the Brookhaven Lady Panthers.

Kent said Wallace and Welch would give his team a boost for the 2014 campaign. “We are excited to have these two girls join our program. They’ve been instrumental in Bogue Chitto’s success and they will make the transition to the next level.”

“Adrienne is a very versatile player who can play any position except pitcher,” Kent noted. “That’s a plus for our team. She also hits for a high average and can steal bases, too.”

Reviewing Welch’s pitching prowess, Kent said, “Rheagan has developed a strong arm and has some big wins under her belt. We look for her to continue to improve and give us some good, quality innings.”

Also signing with the Lady Wolves are infielder Kristen Byrd and outfielder Julian Johnson of Lawrence County, outfielder Kaitlan Cooksey of Copiah Academy, catcher Breanna McKenzie of North Pike, and left-handed pitcher Peyton Sheffield of Oak Grove; Kent’s first-ever southpaw hurler.

Kent launches his 11th season at Co-Lin later this month when the Lady Wolves host Heartland Community College of Normal, Ill., on Jan. 28, at 1 p.m.. His Lady Wolves have made the playoffs in 7 of his 10 seasons. During his tenure, Co-Lin has collected 3 state championships and two NJCAA region crowns.

Co-Lin finished third in the 2006 national tournament. Kent’s team was national runner-up in 2008 and ranked No.2 in the final poll, the highest-ever ranking by a Co-Lin athletic team.

Bogue Chitto products Meleah Brown Howard, Chelsey Miller Anderson, Devon Welch and Candace Avants were instrumental in that runner-up finish.

Kent is optimistic about his latest edition. What he needs most is some sunshine and a dry field to begin practice. Many softball and baseball coaches around the Magnolia State would be happy with a dry playing surface, too.

Contact sports editor Tom Goetz by Email: tgoetz@dailyleader.com