Dec. 4, 2007

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn.-- Carson-Newman head baseball coach Tom Griffin has announced the signing of five players for the 2009 season.

The Eagles' first signee is right-handed pitcher Ryan Hendrickson. Hendrickson comes to Mossy Creek from Palm Beach Community College in Florida. Last season, Hendrickson pitched 52 innings with 43 K's, 19 walks and a 1.90 ERA. A native of Port St. Lucie, Florida, the 6'5", 235-pound Hendrickson is expected to become a weekend starter for the Eagles.

Another right-handed Florida pitcher will join the Eagles in '09. Brandon Laine pitched for Lake Sumter Community College in 2007. In 22 innings, Laine posted 20 strikeouts and a 4.76 ERA. Brandon came to Carson-Newman out of high school and, after redshirting in 2006, transferred to Lake Sumter CC. Laine looks to be another front-line starting pitcher for C-N.

Pitcher and infielder Lucas Mohon of Glasgow, Kentucky has signed to play at Carson-Newman. A senior at Barren County High School, Mohon hit.467 last season with 53 runs scored and 27 RBI. On the mound, Mohon posted a 12-1 record. In 76 innings, the right-hander threw 104 strikeouts and posted an astounding 0.46 ERA, earning him 2nd Team All-State and All- District honors. Griffin expects Mohon to continue as a two-way player who will compete on the mound and in the field. Mohon has also excelled in the classroom, earning a 3.9 grade point average.

Griffin has also signed Jefferson City native Zach Long. A shortstop at Jefferson County High School, Long is the brother of current Eagle first baseman Derek Long. In 2007, Zach hit.456 with 34 RBI and 5 homers. He earned 1st Team All-Conference honors last season and has also competed in football as a quarterback and basketball as a point guard.

"Zach is a solid offensive player who could compete in the infield or outfield for us," Griffin said.

The Eagles' fifth signee is catcher Mason Guymon of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Guymon was named 1st Team All- Conference in 2007 and earned a reputation as an outstanding defensive player and leader on the field. Guymon has started for the Oak Ridge High School baseball squad since his freshman year and was a teammate of current Eagle Aaron Vargas.

Carson-Newman will begin the 2008 season on February 1 at Augusta State University before playing their first home game on February 23 versus Catawba.