Ex-Wolfpack slugger could have big future in Athens

Former Greenbrier High School baseball star Chad Thornhill will be a red-shirt freshman for the University of Georgia Diamond Dogs in 2002-03.

Expect the 6-1, 220-pound lefty to battle for some playing time at first base when the Dogs begin their next season - and for Thornhill, the coming years in Athens should be even better.

Last season at UGA, Justin McClain, a rising senior from Cartersville, and Matt Cavender split time at first base and designated hitter; with Cavender now graduated, and McClain being a right-handed hitter, Thornhill should see some action next spring.

Also, Thornhill appears to be Georgia coach David Perno's first baseman of the future.

During his stay at Greenbrier, Thornhill's career batting average topped .350; he also hit 24 home runs and had 74 RBI over his final two prep seasons with the Wolfpack.

While Chad might not become a four-year starter at Georgia - like his brother Mark was - but the younger Thornhill will figure prominently in Georgia's plans.

Tiernan, Key, Kreisman earn academic honors

Two of Chad Thornhill's Brierpatch buddies have done pretty well for themselves with the USC Aiken baseball team.

Former Pack standouts Sean Tiernan and Bradley Key each were named to the Peach Belt Conference's Annual Presidential Honor Roll.

To make the list, an athlete must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

In addition to his academic excellence, Key was also outstanding on the field. As a freshman with the Pacers this spring, he started 53 games and hit .297 with 10 home runs and 47 RBI. Key's numbers were among the best on the team, and garnered a second-place finish in the Peach Belt freshman of the year voting.

Also making the Presidential Honor Roll was Evans High School graduate Sarah Kreisman. The former Lady Knights basketball player is a rising sophomore at Augusta State University, where she played hoops for the Lady Jaguars.