Ex-Greenbrier star is transferring to Mercer

Former Greenbrier High School softball standout Kassie Bailey has found a Division I home.

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Bailey, who has been at Middle Georgia College, signed a national letter of intent during the early signing period to play for Mercer University.

Bailey hit .309 with 47 RBI at Middle Georgia. She also pitched, recording 19 wins and striking out 99.

"We expect Kassie to come right in and make an immediate impact in the circle for our team," Mercer softball coach Mike Raynor said in a statement. "Her ability to hit and hit well will give us some additional options with the designated player position and the flex that we are excited about as well."

Bailey was part of the Wolfpack's 2004 state title team.

The Wolfpack reached the Elite Eight from 2004-2007, and Bailey was named First Team All-Region three times. She was a First Team All-State selection her final season in 2007.

Heading to the hall

Evans resident Gralyn Harris, an assistant wrestling coach at Greenbrier and director of the Columbia County Mat Club, will be inducted into the Connecticut chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in April.

"It's not something that I ever thought would be possible," Harris said last week. "It's humbling. I've done what I was taught to do and it's resulted in someone recognizing that, appreciating that."

Harris is credited with starting the first judo club at the University of Connecticut and California's chapter of the United States Judo Foundation.

He won the Connecticut state wrestling championship in 1976 and represented the United States in judo at the 1979 Pan American Games. He won a U.S. Judo masters title in 1994.

Harris retired after 23 years in the U.S. Army with the Military Intelligence Unit. He later served as a U.S. Defense representative in Yemen.

Harris's son, Caleb, wrestles for the Wolfpack.

Sign-ups this week

The Columbia Area Youth Football Association (CAYFA) will hold sign-ups and its first combine this week.

The first combine will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Kroger Field. The second will be held Feb. 6 at the same place and time.

Participants will be grouped into three divisions -- 8-10 years old, 11-12 years old and 13 years old.

Players ages are as of Sept. 1, 2009. Any player not participating in the combine will be randomly drawn and placed on a team.

For information, call CAYFA (706) 993-6382 or e-mail pattersonbuilt@hotmail.com.