Senior Trip Thompson waits for a pitch at the Clarke Central vs. Lanier High School varsity baseball game, which the Gladiators won 4-3 after 12 innings. Thompson signed a letter of intent on May 9 to play baseball at West Georgia Technical College for two years. “My plan right now is to just play ball as long as I can,” Thompson said. Photo by Tierra Hayes
By JOHANNA HALL – Print Sports Editor
On May 9, senior Trip Thompson signed to play baseball at West Georgia Technical College.
Senior Trip Thompson has spent the past four years fielding balls and tagging outs at third base for the Gladiator varsity baseball team. He will spend the next two years doing the same–but for the Golden Knights at West Georgia Technical College.
Thompson signed to play baseball at WGTC during a ceremony held on the afternoon of May 9 in the Gladiator Gallery.
“I was talking to a couple other schools, but West Georgia Tech just seemed like the right one, great coach,” Thompson said. “It just seems like the best fit for me.”
According to Thompson, head varsity baseball coach Trey Henson, who coached Thompson for four years, contributed to his success.
“Coach Henson pushes me because he knows what he wants from me, he knows what I’m capable of,” Thompson said.
Larry Gresham, Thompson’s second grade YMCA basketball coach, has seen Trip grow from a multi-sport athlete to a college-level baseball player.
“I just tried to keep him motivated, keep his head on straight,” Gresham said. “Just to see him blossom into the guy he is today, I’m very proud of Trip.”
Henson sees success in Thompson’s future.
“He’s a guy that plays with a lot of passion. He refuses to lose, he wants to win, he wants to succeed,” Henson said. “He’s got the ability, he’s got the knowledge, it’s just a matter of going out and performing.”
