By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Lutcher senior first baseman Jordan Hymel made a bit of history on Friday morning — he became the first Bulldogs athlete to sign an athletic scholarship at the school’s new “Dog Pound” athletic facility.

Hymel has signed with Southeastern, where he will continue his athletic and academic efforts in the near future.

“I’m very anxious about it. Really, I’m pumped up,” said Hymel. “The school facilities are nice, and I connected with the coaches there. I can be myself around them.”

Hymel was named to the Class 3A All-State team as well as the All-District team for 9-3A after a year in which he hit .465 and led Lutcher to the top seed in the state playoffs.

Lutcher Coach Davey Clement says Southeastern is getting a steal.

“I can’t say enough about him,” said Clement. “He’s such a quality person, student, and player. I expect him to be a great leader for their team.”

In addition to making a bit of school history, Hymel made a bit of family history with his decision.

“I’m excited to make a bunch of people proud,” Hymel said. “I’m the first person in my family to get a major scholarship like this. It’s good to be the first to do that.”

Said Cindy Hymel, Jordan’s mother: “We’re all so proud of his accomplishments. We look forward to seeing him play next year. He’s a very strong-minded individual and strong in his faith.”

Hymel says he looks forward to experiencing play at the next level.

“It will be exciting to feel that atmosphere of college baseball,” he says. “It’s a completely different feeling.”