Norris Signs Letter With Ecclesia College

ROGERS - Ecclesia College baseball coach Derrion Hardie heard good things about Brandon Norris from a couple of his players, and he liked what he saw this fall.

That’s why Hardie decided to give Norris a chance to play for the Royals next season. The Rogers Heritage senior made it official at a ceremony Thursday when he signed a national letter of intent.

Norris, who has been limited by injuries the past two seasons with the War Eagles, will see some time behind the plate and on the mound this season. Hardie said he will look at Norris at both spots but likely choose where he fi ts after he gets on campus next fall.

“I know he’ll do both here, but I’m not a big fan of a pitcher/catcher combination at the collegiate level,” Hardie said. “We want to figure out where we project him being the best collegiate baseball player. We were reallyimpressed with his skill set behind the plate. We know he hasn’t caught for very long.”

Norris said he’s workedhard in the offseason to get physically stronger and avoid injuries.

“I had some shoulder and elbow stuff, but I think I’m stronger and ready,” Norris said.

War Eagles coach Keith Kilgore said he’s pleased for Norris to get an opportunity to play baseball after high school, but he’s also excited to see him 100 percent healthy and able to perform for Heritage this spring.

“Brandon is a player who has good tools and potential,” Kilgore said. “But injuries have kept him from reaching his full potential. He had maybe three at-bats and threw only a few innings for us last year. I see a diff erent commitment in him this year. He’s working hard and preparing for his senior season.”

Sports, Pages 8 on 01/31/2014

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