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High school notebook Date published: 12/18/2008
BY TAFT COGHILL JR. Colonial Forge senior baseball standout Garrett Marin has signed a national letter of intent to pitch for George Mason University. Marin is one of seven players the Patriots secured during the early signing period. Marin also had a scholarship offer from Niagara University, but Eagles coach Shawn Szakelyhidi said GMU is a good fit because of its proximity to Stafford. "I think it's great," Szakelyhidi said. "He has an opportunity to stay close to home and his parents can come watch him play. Selfishly, I'll get an opportunity to watch him play, as well." Marin helped the Eagles reach the Group AAA title game last season, where they lost to James River. The right-hander finished 5-0 with a 3.22 ERA. He throws three pitches for strikes, including a fast ball that reaches the mid-80s. "Garrett is a polished right-handed pitcher with command of three pitches," George Mason head coach Bill Brown said. "He is a proven winner who will be counted on to throw quality innings for us a freshman." The Eagles have another standout who is expected to commit to a college soon. Szakelyhidi said pitcher/third baseman Matt Edwards lists Niagara and Radford as his top two choices. RUN AIDS JM SENIORS James Monroe football coach Rich Serbay didn't see many college recruiters this past season. But that's all changed. Serbay said several JM players are on the college radar after the Yellow Jackets won the Group AA, Division 3 state championship on Dec. 6. Star wide receiver Devontae Atkins was recently paid a visit by Liberty University's coaching staff. Serbay said Atkins must retake the SAT before he's offered a scholarship. JM seniors Gage Ford (linebacker), Jake Kroko (lineman), John Jackson (quarterback), Jamal Smith and Andrew Carter (fullback/defensive lineman) are receiving interest from a host of schools. However, Serbay said his players must convince college coaches they're big enough to play on the next level. "It was good to get the exposure because a lot of coaches saw those kids play and realized they're pretty good," Serbay said of his team's title run. "But the biggest problem is that our kids don't have the size that everybody's looking for." DISTRICT THINKS PINK Commonwealth District girls basketball teams have designated Tuesday, Jan. 13, as a day to "Shoot for the Cure" for breast cancer. Gary Cooper, a Stafford High assistant coach, is organizing the night in part to recognize his sister-in-law, who has breast cancer. "We'd like everybody to come to the games that night and wear pink if they could," Cooper said. "We'll be giving out pink ribbons and brochures on prevention." Cooper said there will be a silent auction and 50/50 raffle held at the game sites on Jan. 13, with the proceeds going toward breast cancer awareness. Donations will be accepted. Games on Jan. 16 will also highlight breast cancer awareness. Cooper said he was motivated in part by former Brooke Point center Chay Shegog, who organized a similar night at her school last season.
Taft Coghill Jr.: 540/374-5526
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