MACON, Ga. – Senior Bo Fricks signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball at Western Carolina University on Thursday morning, Dec. 3, in the Middlebrooks Athletic Center on FPD’s campus in front of faculty, staff, friends and family.
The signing marks the second for FPD for the 2015-16 academic season (classmate Robby Watson signed to throw discus and shot put at Southern Miss in late November).
“Bo’s love for the game of baseball really shows in how hard he works to improve on his skill set,” FPD head baseball coach Denny Bryant said.
Fricks was part of a 2015 FPD team that advanced to the first round of the GHSA Class-A Private State Tournament.
He hit .310 last season in 23 games played. His on base percentage was a solid .457 along with his slugging percentage of .465. Combined, Fricks’ OPS was .921.
“I’m just really excited and glad I can be a part of playing at the next level,” Fricks said after his signing. “I’m very thankful for everyone that came out here to support me today and who have supported me along the way.”
He ranked second on the team in the following categories last year: RBI (19), home runs (2), and triples (1). He also was fifth on the squad with 22 total hits.
In the field, Fricks was part of a stellar Viking infield. In 57 total chances, Fricks recorded 53 putouts and only committed four errors throughout his junior campaign.
Fricks says he chose Western Carolina due to the plethora of opportunities.
“They had a lot to offer both academically and athletically,” Fricks said. “I feel like I can go in and get some playing time my freshman year and make a difference. It will be a great opportunity.”
Both Bryant and Fricks know that his career isn’t done just yet as a Viking either.
“We want to try and win a state championship,” Fricks said on entering into his senior season with the Vikings. “I want to do everything I can offensively and defensively to help the team. Hopefully we’ll have a good year.”
Bryant agrees.
“Through hard work, Bo has given himself a chance to play Division-I baseball,” Bryant said, “We’re all looking forward to seeing his leadership on the diamond for the Vikings this spring and beyond.”
The Western Carolina Catamounts finished the 2015 season at 21-30 and advanced to the SoCon Tournament before being eliminated by Furman University.
Check www.fpdvikings.com for updates on the FPD varsity baseball team in the spring of 2016.
The First Presbyterian Day School Department of Athletics strives to build the student athlete both in the playing arena and the classroom while upholding the school’s mission statement to educate and equip students to change the world for God’s glory. For more information, visit www.fpdvikings.com and sign up for up-to-the-minute news and scores by following the Vikings on Twitter at @FPDVikingSports and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fpdathletics.
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