Coach Johnson Signs Three To Play Bryan Baseball

  • Thursday, August 17, 2006

Bryan baseball coach Joel Johnson announces the signing of Brad Todd, Zack Bowe, and Gabe Keen to play baseball for the Lions starting in the Fall of 2006.

Coach Joel Johnson says of Brad, "We have some high hopes for Brad both in his pitching and his defense. He has a very smooth delivery and listens extremely well. He has a desire to learn how to pitch properly and really wants to succeed. Defensively he is very solid and can help is both in the infield and the outfield."

Pitching Coach Brian Derlak offers this: "Brad has naturally smooth mechanics and good control of his pitches. My goal is to teach him the art of pitching and knowing when and where to throw his pitches."


Brad Todd with pitching coach Brian Derlak and head coach Joel Johnson

Johnson added, "Brad is a quality young man from a good home, another example of what we are trying to do here: find good guys who can play and belong at school like Bryan College."

"Bowe will pitch, play in the infield and provide a quality bat to the Lions this year," Coach Johnson said. "Zack has a great desire to improve his overall game and to mature as a young man. He has a lot of natural ability that we plan on developing during his career here at Bryan."


Zack Bowe with Bryan College’s Coach Johnson

When asked what his thoughts were about coming to Bryan, Zach stated, "I was happy to hear that Coach (Joel Johnson) was interested in signing me. Signing for Bryan College was out of this world and I thank God for this opportunity. I'm looking forward to this upcoming baseball season."

Zack's father, Alan, had this to add about his son: "I'd like to thank God for the chance for Zack to play baseball at Bryan College. It’s a fine college with a fine sports program. I'd also like to thank Coach Johnson for his interest and pray for God's will to be done with the college, the coaches and the players."

Jason Kahler, Hernando Christian's secondary principal, said, "With the signing of Zack, Bryan College has accepted not only three outstanding baseball players (Bryan also singed Ryan Knight and Robbie Fleischer) from Hernando Christian Academy but three fine Christian young men as well. HCA's prayers go with them."

HCA Athletic Director Mike Drummond commented, "I have watched Zack playing since Dixie League. Zack seemed destined to play baseball in college. Zack, along with Ryan and Robbie, will be an asset to the Bryan baseball family."

Keen, a 2005 graduate of Meigs County High School, will be transferring to Bryan College to play baseball starting in August. Keen is transferring from Carson-Newman and will have three years of eligibility remaining.


Gabe Keen tries on his new uniform with Bryan College’s Coach Johnson

Bryan Coach Joel Johnson says of Keen, "We were very interested in trying to get Gabe last year but things just did not work out. I am thankful that we have him now. He will proved needed depth and skill at catcher. He has a great understanding of the position, how to handle pitchers, calling pitches and the physical skills to play it. He also brings a solid bat to the offense as well."

When asked his thoughts about attending Bryan, Gabe said, "I am pumped about furthering my education and athletic career here at Bryan." Commenting for both mother and father, Mike Keen added, "We are happy that Gabe is coming to Bryan. It will be very exciting to be able to see every home game and watch the program grow."

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