Hard work pays off for Tattnall Square's Nick DiPonzio
All Nick DiPonzio needed was a chance.
That chance came in the 2013 GISA Class AAA semifinals when DiPonzio was thrown into the starting lineup as a freshman for Tattnall Square.
Since then, DiPonzio has gone on a tear the past two seasons, with all of the hard work coming to fruition Thursday as he signed a baseball scholarship to Wake Forest.
"The whole recruiting process was just a grind," DiPonzio said. "We definitely saw the ups and downs of it, but in the end, I think Wake was the best decision because of it being a great school and a great program in a great conference."
DiPonzio went 3-for-7 in the two semifinal games and hit a double in his first at-bat in the state championship series. The Trojans certainly have talent around DiPonzio, but the senior has become better at the plate each season to help lead the offense.
Last season, DiPonzio batted .459 with an on-base percentage of .515 and collected 10 doubles and 20 RBI, while stealing 17 bases. And in 2014, he batted .352 with an on-base percentage of .513, while adding four home runs, scoring 42 runs, and knocking 21 RBI.
"Nick has been a tireless worker," Tattnall head coach Joey Hiller said. "He has really earned his way and really set the bar for work ethic along with (teammate) Blake Simmons for us. He signed that scholarship because he worked extremely hard at it. God blessed him with ability, and God blesses a lot of people with ability, but Nick has the mental toughness to go out and make himself better and work for what he wants to achieve."
Wake Forest finished 27-26 last season, and DiPonzio feels that his work ethic will also pay dividends at the college level.
"I've been in a great situation here at Tattnall, and it has helped me," DiPonzio said. "We didn't really have any time frame on making the decision, but I just knew Wake was the right fit. I really want to thank my family and friends who have been supportive through this whole process. The coaching staff at Wake told me I could come in and play as long as I'm willing to work hard. Hard work is what gets you places, and I firmly believe in that."
A GOOD FIT
Cassondra Hall couldn't really say there was one factor that led to her signing with the LSU track and field program.
Tradition? Check. Competition? Check. Academics? Check.
LSU included everything Hall had on her check list, so it made it an easy decision for the Warner Robins senior to sign with the Tigers on Thursday.
"Wow, there were a lot of reasons," Hall said. "When I went to the campus, I liked it, and there was just a feeling. I could see myself there. They have a good physical therapy program, too, and there is a legacy with their program.
"Competing in the SEC is going to be tough, but it's going to be fun. I love competition."
Hall, who competed for Northside until this season before transferring to Warner Robins, is a two-time All-Middle Georgia track athlete of the year, and she won the GHSA Class AAAAA 100 and 200 meters last spring and in 2014 and won the 100 in 2013, while finishing second in the 200.
She said she wasn't sure what events she would compete in at LSU.
ANOTHER HALL SIGNS
Houston County baseball player Tanner Hall signed with Armstrong Atlantic. Hall was 3-3 last season with 48 strikeouts and a 3.76 ERA.
GOING TO GEORGIA COLLEGE
Perry's Cal Gentry signed with Georgia College to play baseball. As a junior, Gentry batted .382 and had a 3-5 record on the mound with a 2.02 ERA.
This story was originally published November 12, 2015 at 9:42 PM with the headline "Hard work pays off for Tattnall Square's Nick DiPonzio ."