Saturday, July 26, 2003

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (July 24, 2003) - East Tennessee State head baseball coach Tony Skole announced Thursday that outfielder Richie Billings (Leesburg, Fla.) has committed to play for the Bucs beginning in the 2004 season. "We are extremely excited that Richie has decided to come to ETSU," said Skole. "He will truly exemplify what it is to be a student/athlete at this level. It is simply hard to find young men of higher quality than Richie Billings." Billings, a left-handed hitter, has started every game over that last two seasons at Lake-Sumter Community College in Leesburg, Fla. He hit over .300 for his career with the Lakers while scoring 82 runs. "Richie comes to ETSU from one of the top, well-coached junior colleges in the state of Florida," commented Skole. "He is a hard-nosed competitor who will bring a wealth of experience to our ball club. We anticipate Richie making a contribution right away." Billings is the eighth commitment that the Buccaneers have received for next season's recruiting class. He joins first baseman Ryan Spriggs (Crossville, Tenn.), third baseman Greg Roberts (Douglas, Ga.), infielder Josiah Glafenhein (Corryton, Tenn.), right-handed pitcher/outfielder Caleb Glafenhein (Corryton, Tenn.), right-handed pitcher/outfielder Stephen Douglas (Kennesaw, Ga.), outfielder Matt Haynes and pitcher Brandon Summey (Kingsport, Tenn.).