Calhoun duo set for Walters

Calhoun High School two-way baseball stars Austin Norrell and Cory Greeson signed with junior college baseball power Walters State this week.

Though each has been a prominent member of the talented Yellow Jackets' pitching staff for three years, coach Chip Henderson said Walters recruited them more as position players. Norrell, a catcher, hit .448 with six homers and 47 RBIs last year to go with seven wins and 84 strikeouts in 50 innings pitched.

"Austin is a four-year starter and he's been a constant on the mound for us and he's gotten better each year," Henderson said. "He calls a great game behind the plate, and our other pitchers love throwing to him. He's also got a lot of pop in his bat."

Greeson came to prominence when he was the winning pitcher in two state playoff games, including one in the finals at Cook County, as a sophomore. He started at shortstop last season and immediately stood out defensively, according to Henderson.

"He's always come up big for us in whichever situation he's put in," Henderson said. "Walters is getting two fine players and my guys are going to a tremendous program. I'm very happy for them."

Donation by Heritage

The Heritage High School football program handed a check of $4,500 over to the Wounded Warrior Project during ceremonies Wednesday at the school. Coach Tim James started the program's "Halftime for Heroes" initiative this past season to help raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps military personnel transition back to everyday life.

"It wasn't as big as I wanted it to be, but for the first season I think we did all right," James said. "Any time we can do something good for the guys and gals who are laying their lives on the line, it's rewarding. Hopefully it can grow next season."

Four other prep programs -- Ringgold, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, Ridgeland and Red Bank -- helped raise funds for the project.