Players from Rector, Marmaduke adjusting to CRC baseball team

Several of the newest members of the Crowley's Ridge College Pioneers baseball team took part in a workout held at the Paragould college this past Thursday.

Rector signees Logan Buck and James Bradshaw joined the newest acquisition from Marmaduke, Jacob Mason, in a workout designed to not only test their abilities, but also that of some other potential teammates, as well.

"This gives us a good opportunity to get some of the guys out here on the field," Pioneers skipper Paul McFadden said. "We've had other workouts, but this gives us a chance to kind of see where we're at and what our strengths are, as well as what we need to work on."

CRC has added a lot of local talent to their program, with Marmaduke's Ray Taylor also joining Buck, Bradshaw and Mason as newcomers for next season.

"We definitely wanted to have guys from this area as part of our team," McFadden said. "We're happy that we were able to find young men of good character from the surrounding communities that we feel have the talent to help our program. I think every one of them has the potential to help us."

Even though temperatures soared into the upper 90s on Thursday, the dirt and sweat from the workout were not enough to whisk away the excitement felt by the three young men.

"I'm definitely looking forward to playing here," Buck said. "This is something I've wanted to do my whole life. Coach McFadden's given me this opportunity and I'm going to work as hard as I can to show that I deserve it."

For Bradshaw and Mason, next season can't come soon enough.

"I'm ready to play," Bradshaw said. "I want to get out there and show them what I can do."

"I'm excited," Mason said. "It's going to be a little different than playing in high school, but that's what makes you work harder."

The workout also allowed returning players a chance to get out on the field and become better acquainted with their new teammates. Jimmy Poe, Gary Dubar and Caleb Yates each spent time in the field and taking a few cuts with the bat during the workout.

"It's good to get out here and get some work in with the new guys," Yates said. "I'm glad to see them taking it seriously and working hard. I think they'll be good additions. We're all looking forward to next season."

CRC is part of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). Next season will mark the first time the school has faced a schedule made up wholly of other four-year schools.