Bottom Line: Jags Baseball team loaded with county talent

In less than a month the Augusta State University baseball team opens the 2004 season, and Columbia County will be well-represented when the Jaguars hit the diamond.

Former Evans High School standouts Justin Walker and David Steflik, along with Lakeside High product Preston Crews, all will suit up for ASU this season.

Walker, a 6-foot, 185-pound sophomore, led the Peach Belt Conference with a 2.26 earned run average as a freshman. He notched a 6-4 record on the mound for the Jags last year, and at the plate he added a two home run game against Southern Indiana.

The right-handed pitcher should be a major factor for coach Skip Fite's club this year.

//

Steflik, another right-handed pitcher, has joined ASU after playing for Gordon Junior College last season. The 6-3, 195-pound Steflik will be a nice addition for the Augusta State pitching staff.

Crews, a 5-9, 173-pound sophomore, is coming off a freshman campaign in which he saw limited action for the Jaguars. This season Crews is expected to see more playing time as a utility infielder and relief pitcher. He pitched sparingly for ASU last spring, but he didn't allow a single run.

In an upcoming column, I will feature some more of the Columbia County baseball players now competing at the collegiate level.

If you would like to recommend any players that deserve some recognition, please e-mail me at AB@WRDWAM.com.