LMA students sign with USC Union

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Laurence Manning Academy seniors Ryan Touchberry and Buddy Bleasdale are looking forward to a new season in their lives.

Both signed Monday to play baseball with the University of South Carolina Union.

"I've always wanted to play college baseball, so I'm really excited to go play," said Bleasdale, a three-time state championship player. "I’ve been attending Laurence Manning all my life and have always loved baseball. It’s the only sport I’ve ever played. I think my parents are excited for me to get out the house, but I think they’ll miss me a little bit.”

Touchberry also felt good about the signing, saying he's worked his entire life to get to this point.

"It feels good that I've been on the college's radar," he said. "It makes me feel like I'm worth something in baseball and I hope to make the best of it. The main thing I'm looking forward to is playing baseball for the next three or four years. It's kind of bittersweet for my parents, and I'm not sure about leaving, but I'm looking forward to it at the same time."

USC Union head baseball Coach Keith Worthy said Touchberry and Bleasdale have been in his sights for a long time.

“We’ve had scouts out here looking all season at these two athletes, great talent,” said Worthy. “They’re great athletes and we’re thrilled to have them on our team. We were ready to pick them up.”