Waldrip, Guckert sign
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Ethan Waldrip (sitting, center) prepares to sign a national letter of intent with Itawamba Community College as head coach Rick Collier (front, left) goes through the instructions. Watching were his parents, sitting Elizabeth and Mike Waldrip; (back, from left) brother Bobby and Green Wave head coach Duke McCrory. The Panolian photos by Myra Bean
Bailey Guckert (front, center) reads through his national letter of intent to play at Itawamba in front of witnesses (front, l. to r.) sister Caroline, Guckert, Green Wave head coach Duke McCrory; (back) Itawamba head coach Rick Collier and his parents Stephanie and Harry Guckert.
By Myra Bean
North Delta’s baseball program is receiving more attention with the signing of seniors Ethan Waldrip and Bailey Guckert to Itawamba Community College on Friday.
Waldrip, right-handed starting pitcher, was offered a scholarship by Itawamba head coach Rick Collier when they saw him in the bullpen a few weeks ago.
Guckert, shortstop, is excited about living his dream of playing college.
“I would have never made it this far without Duke (McCrory),” Guckert said. “He’s a great role model.”
McCrory, head coach at North Delta, has been coaching Guckert since he was 10-years-old. Guckert is the No. 2 batter on the team this year.
Collier was a graduate assistant at Delta State when McCrory was a player.
“I feel real comfortable sending them off to ICC because they have a good program,” McCrory said.
“Bailey has always wanted to go play college baseball,” McCrory continued. “This is really nice. It’s what we shoot for. It feels good to be a part of that.”
Waldrip said this was not a hard decision to make.
“I can’t wait to start,” he said. “They like to win. Every time they play, they come to play hard.”
