By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – A pair of Thompson High School baseball players will continue their careers in college, after they signed athletic scholarships during a May 11 ceremony in the school’s library.

THS seniors J.D. Kytle and Austin Sparks inked scholarships with Wallace State Community College in Selma and Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, Mississippi, respectively, during the ceremony.

The two athletes have seen plenty of success during their playing time with the Thompson Warriors, leading the team to several playoff berths and even an appearance in the Class 7A state championship game in Montgomery in 2015.

As per THS tradition, the two signees were surrounded by legions of family members, coaches, teammates and school administrators during the afternoon ceremony.

“Any time you have a chance to continue playing baseball after high school is special. They’ve both worked extremely hard, and we’re excited about what they can accomplish next year in college,” said THS varsity baseball coach Pat Hamrick. “They have really grown as young men, and we are proud of everything they’ve done here, and we look forward to seeing them continue to improve moving forward.”

“It should be fun watching them,” Hamrick added. “We will be following you on the iPad to see what you can do in college.”