Diamonds are a Bulldog’s best friend

Trion senior Gabe Howell signed with Chipola College Friday in a ceremony at the high school surrounded by his family, friends and coaches.

The senior shortstop becomes the latest Trion student to earn an athletic scholarship. With 27 RBI’s and a .583 batting average, Howell confirmed what recruiters saw his freshmen year. Chipola College jumped to the top of Howell’s list after a summer visit following his junior year.

Located just outside Gainesville, FL, Chipola is known as a baseball powerhouse with 15 players drafted into the MLB in just the last 2 years.

Gabe Howell is a standout athlete on the gridiron as well as the diamond. His coaches brag on his work ethic and attitude. Trion baseball head coach, Jason Lanham says about Howell, “he always puts in the extra work to achieve the goals he sets for himself.” Head football coach Justin Brown commented, “Gabe has given us as coaches four great years, he has been a leader in football and baseball, and we wish him the very best of luck.”

Lanham also remarked that Howell’s parents “always made sure he was playing for the right people.” This included Charles Culberson and Eric Robinson of Doubleday Baseball Academy who Howell has trained with since 8^th grade.  Robinson is currently a scout for the Washington Nationals. Howell has had an opportunity to hit in front of many scouts including those from the Minnesota Twins.

While Howell’s skills on the football could have earned him a scholarship in that sport, his first love is baseball. With his senior season of baseball on the near horizon the next 6 months could leave Howell in a position to be drafted directly into the MLB this summer. Until that time Chipola College will be anticipating Howell’s arrival in the fall.