HEMINGWAY - Two Lady Tigers, Brittney Kinard and Crystal Hughes, signed with Columbia College on May 18 in a brief ceremony at the Hemingway High School Library.
Softball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director James Morrison came from the college to greet the young women. He said, "Coach Davis told me of their character and ability, so I came to watch them play, and I got excited. We are looking for just such duos who can both pitch and catch, and also play middle infield."
Kinard and Hughes have been best friends since cradle days, and have played softball together for a long time. They are excited to be part of Columbia's team on their first year of intercolegiate play. The College has joined the Southern States Athletic Conference.
Hughes and Kinard, together with teacher Lynn Grier went to visit the college over spring break and liked what they saw.
Coach Davis said it's hard to lose the team's key players - a pitcher - catcher combo. He said the girls can play either position as well. "Next will be a year of rebuilding," he said.
The girls' parents, Karen Kinard and Ricky and Lois Hughes were also present for the ceremony.
Morrison challenged them with the expectation that they would be "...Champions of Character. Win or lose, you will represent Columbia College. I think you are up to it, because you have already shown character," he said.

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