College Sports

By JOE BUIE
Staff Writer

Tyler Junior College coach Jon Groth has seen Blake Worthen rise up through the ranks of Rose City baseball.

Worthen took the next step in that progression on Friday, only this time he’s headed out of town and out of state.

The former TJC and Robert E. Lee pitcher signed a national letter of intent to attend Southeastern Oklahoma State University on a baseball scholarship. The NCAA Division II program is located in Durant, Okla.

“Blake is a home-grown product of Tyler Little League and Robert E. Lee High School, and I know he’ll represent TJC and all of Tyler very well,” Groth said. “I’m sure all of us who’ve seen him progress as a player and a young man are proud of him and his earning this opportunity.”

Worthen, who will major in pre-law, started a TJC pipeline to the traditional Lone Star Conference power.

After Worthen committed, Apache teammates Matt Kinard (pitcher), Justin Eatherly (pitcher) and Mike McCollum (catcher) also picked Southeastern Oklahoma State.

“It feels great,” Worthen told the Tyler Morning Telegraph. “It’s something I definitely didn’t see happening out of high school. The opportunities that I got (at TJC) have allowed me to keep playing baseball, and I’m really excited to do it.”

The 6-0, 170-pound Worthen had six wins in 26 appearances for the Apaches in 2007 and 2008. He struck out 47 in 54 innings.

Worthen was a spot starter and pitched primarily in a middle relief role both seasons, including the 2007 national championship. He also carried a 3.07 grade-point average while playing for the Apaches.

“You get the chance in junior college to find your stuff,” Worthen said. “If you have anything you need to work on, it’s a great place to work on things and better yourself for the future. I did everything I needed to do here.”

Worthen’s support group at Friday’s signing ceremony included Groth’s assistant coaches — Doug Wren and Hart Hering, TJC athletic director Dr. Tim Drain, Blake’s parents — both named Chris, and Blake’s brother P.J.

Southeastern Oklahoma State tied Angelo State for second place in the Lone Star Conference at 30-13.

Other TJC sophomores moving on are pitcher Cooper Page (Abilene Christian University), infielder Davis Page (Abilene Christian) and outfielder Randall Moore (Louisiana College). Pitcher Michael LaCourse and outfielder Clint Stroud are undecided.

“We sent 12 guys out last year and will likely have 10 or more before it’s all done this year,” Groth said.

BLAKE WORTHEN, who pitched two seasons for Tyler Junior College, signs a national letter of intent with Southeastern Oklahoma State on Friday.
((Staff Photo By Herb Nygren Jr.))