Dec. 20, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford baseball program has announced that Austin Allison will join the program for the 2009 season, head coach Casey Dunn said Thursday.

Austin Allison (SS, 5-9, 140, Glenwood Academy, Phenix City, Ala.) is a three-year starter for Glenwood Academy where he helped lead the team to two state championships in a three-year span as he heads into his senior year.

Allison had a combine batting average of near .380 over the last two seasons. In 2007, on the way to a state championship and a 38-13 record, he hit .377 with 10 doubles, 28 runs batted in and 32 walks, while stealing 18 bases. After both his sophomore and junior seasons he was selected by the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association for the Top 100 Showcase as well as the 2007 High School All-Star Team. He was a two-time All Bi-City Selection as well for the past two seasons.

"I am excited about the opportunity to attend such a great institution," Allison said. "I look forward to competing at the highest level both on the baseball field and in the classroom."

In addition to what he has done with the bat, Allison is an outstanding defensive infielder with a strong arm and great athleticism.

Austin is a proud member of the famous Allison Racing Family. Austin's grandfather, Tommy Allsion Sr., is the youngest brother of Nascar legends Bobby and Donnie Allison. Austin father, Tommy Allison, was the cousin and business manager of the late Davey Allison.

"We have been blessed the last couple of years with some outstanding infielders," Dunn said. "Austin can really handle the glove with range and swings the bat really well also. He has shown some good pop particularly for his size in driving balls for extra bases as well. Like several of our guys he has had success at the highest level and been integral in winning state championships."