Local, area players sign

Wednesday was the first day of the early signing period for basketball, baseball, softball and tennis.

The Chattahoochee Valley had several high school seniors sign national letters of intent to continue their careers.

Bryan Woodall,Colby Rasmus

The ties signified their college choice. Bryan Woodall and Colby Rasmus both wore orange and blue ones. Both players signed with Auburn University.

"I really like the coaching staff over there," said Rasmus, a senior at Russell County High School. "The facilities are great and the school isn't far from home."

"This has been a lifelong dream," said Woodall, a senior at Central-Phenix City. "Ever since I was little, I've wanted to go there."

Both players had their signing ceremonies in the library of their respective schools in front of friends, family and coaches on Wednesday.

Woodall is a pitcher and outfielder for Central. Rasmus also pitches and plays in the outfield. Woodall signed with Auburn as a pitcher and Rasmus as an outfielder. Both may pull double duty on the next level.

"Anytime you can get guys that can play multiple positions, it's a plus," said Auburn first-year baseball coach Tom Slater.

Rasmus had a monster junior season for Russell County. He hit 18 home runs with 56 RBIs.

"He was one of the best high school players we saw over the summer," Slater said.

Woodall has a 13-2 record on the mound for Central the past two seasons. Slater was impressed with the way Woodall threw the ball at Auburn's showcase camp on Labor Day.

Slater said he's real excited about his first recruiting class, which also includes Columbus High's Zack Martin and Brandon Monk of LaGrange High.

"I think we've done a real good job in our own backyard," Slater said.

Will there be anymore purchases of orange and blue ties in the future?

"Probably so," Woodall said.

Another tie that the players have that Martin, Monk, Rasmus and Woodall all played on the Phenix City Little League team that won the United States Championship at the 1999 World Series.

"Hopefully this is something that will strengthen our friendship," Rasmus said.