Russellville High School standouts sign to play college baseball

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Senior infielder Daniel Askew signed with the Calhoun Community College Warhawks of Decatur, Ala., and senior outfielder, Brodie Vandiver, signed with the UT Southern Firehawks, located in Pulaski, Tenn.

“Since a kid, it’s something that I’ve really wanted to do,” Askew said about playing college baseball. “It’s just a dream come true.”

Both players were a big part of successful teams during their time at RHS, and Askew has made many memories, including “competing with my brothers every day and creating a bond.” Askew will be reuniting with Shayden Romans, a 2023 Russellville graduate who is already on the baseball team at Calhoun. “I really wanted to go the juco route, and I get to stay at home. Shayden goes there, and it will be fun,” Askew said.

Vandiver has also been working hard and dreaming about playing college baseball for a long time. “Playing the game at a very young age, it’s something that you always hope to get the chance for, and to finally do it, it kinda feels real now,” he said.

“Some of the favorite memories that I’ve made here happened during and also after practice and going to hang out with friends after games, enjoying the W and just taking it all in.”

UT Southern was formerly known as Martin Methodist College and is now a public institution after joining the University of Tennessee system in 2021.

“I like the town a lot,” Vandiver said. “It’s kinda like Russellville, and it’s a quiet town. I like it peaceful, and I’m looking forward to that.”

While playing at RHS, the players were led by head coach Jess Smith and the coaching staff. “It’s been a joy coaching both of them the last two years,” Smith said. “Ultimately, the message that I want to say about these guys is the impact that they make as people and as teammates.”