Nov. 14, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford head baseball coach Tim Parenton announced the signing of five new student-athletes for the 2005 season. The group includes three players from the state of Alabama and two from the state of Tennessee.

"We are excited about this year's signing class," Parenton said. "We look forward to their contributions in helping us move to the Ohio Valley Conference."

Bill Whitehead signed with the Bulldogs from Spain Park High School in Hoover, Ala. Whitehead, a 6-1, 175 pound third baseman and pitcher at Spain Park is the school's first-ever baseball signee.

"Bill came to Spain Park as a 10th-grader with the first group of guys that made the decision to come here," Spain Park head coach Casey Dunn said. "Taking on a leadership role on our team, Bill made my job easier. Even as a 10th-grader, he came in and took a leadership role with our program."

Another local product, Bear Burnett, signed with the Bulldogs from Oak Mountain High School in Birmingham. Burnett is a 5-10, 185 pound pitcher and outfielder from Coach Tommy Youngblood at Oak Mountain.

Matthew Thomas comes to Samford from Decatur High School in Decatur, Ala. Thomas is a 6-2, 175 pound pitcher.

"Matthew is a very hard worker," Decatur head coach Mike Burns said. "He is definitely a competitor and is the kind of guy you would want on your team. He transferred here from Hartselle, and has been someone I can count on to work hard, not just at practice, but all the time."

John Morgan is another signee, coming to Samford from Christian Brothers School in Memphis, Tenn., where he played for Coach Buster Kelso. Morgan is a 5-10, 175 pound outfielder for Christian Brothers.

"John is one of the best kids in terms of character, I've ever known," Kelso said. "On the playing field, he has started three years in center field, and is one of the best lead-off hitters I've ever coached."

Drew Reagan from Farragut High School in Knoxville, Tenn., signed with the Bulldogs on Friday. Reagan played for Coach Tommy Pharr at Farragut where he was an outfielder and pitcher.