Chowan Baseball Signs Three for 2013 David Hodge 01/04/12 MURFREESBORO – Entering his first season as Head Baseball Coach at Chowan University, Taylor Furlough has announced the early signing of three student-athletes for the 2013 season. Austin Hiatt, Austin McGhee, and Keaton Scales have each signed Letters of Intent to play for the Hawks. Hiatt is a 6'3” corner infielder from Collierville High School (TN). He is a transfer from Jackson State Community College (TN), where he played for Hawks Assistant Coach Bryan Hill. “Austin will be able to come in from day one and be an impact bat in our lineup,” said Furlough. “He has the ability to play both corner infield positions, but will mainly play first base this season at Jackson State. Austin has a very good approach at the plate that will add to what we are bringing back next season.” McGhee is a 6'3” right handed pitcher/first baseman from Thomas Dale High School in Chester, Virginia. He played at the Richmond Baseball Academy and is also on the wrestling team at Thomas Dale. “On the mound, Austin will help us very early in his career,” said Furlough. “He has three college level pitches, and because of his body size and good mechanics, very good stamina. He will see innings as a rotational starter for us next season. As a hitter, Austin has good power, and the potential to gain even more. He has a very high average approach at the plate, with gap to gap power.” Scales is a 5'8” versatile athlete, also from Thomas Dale High School. He can play all three outfield positions and the middle infield. Scales also participated with the Richmond Baseball Academy. “Keaton is a versatile player that is going to be able to do a lot of things on the defensive side of the ball to help us next season,” said Furlough. “He is a high quality middle infielder, but is such a good athlete that he will also be able to help at all three outfield positions. At the plate, Keaton will be a tough out, and already has a college level approach to hitting. He will do a lot of the little things we ask our players to do to be successful.” Furlough added, “These players are a great start to the 2012 recruiting class. They help fill some holes that our graduating class will be leaving after this season. These three guys are not only good baseball players that will help our program in the immediate and long term future, but are exceptional representatives of our program and our university.”