RHS baseball seniors announce college commitments to JUCO programs

Two of Ruston High’s top baseball players have their college futures secured heading into the 2025 season.

Senior pitcher David Griep announced his verbal commitment to South Arkansas Community College Tuesday evening, while senior outfielder Jake Simmons announced his commitment to East Central Community College in Mississippi on Sept. 24 — each proving to be some of the top talents in District 2-5A last spring.

Griep, a second team all-district selection last year, posted a 3.40 ERA in 24 2/3 innings with 28 strikeouts and just 12 earned runs allowed. Opposing hitters batted just .185 against him with 17 hits all season.

Griep said in his social media announcement, “I am excited to announce my commitment to play baseball at South Arkansas Community College. I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my family, teammates, and all the coaches along my path.”

South Arkansas went 41-24 overall last season and has made back-toback trips to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II World Series.

Simmons, a first team all-district selection in 2024, will pursue his dream at one of the best junior college programs in Mississippi at ECCC.

ECCC went 55-9 last year and made the NJCAA Division II World Series for the second straight season. The program has won Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference championships five times, most recently in 2023.

“Very blessed to announce my commitment to East Central Community College,” Simmons said on social media. “I want to thank my family and coaches for everything they have done in this journey. Most of all I would like to thank my Lord and Savior for making this all possible.”

As a junior last spring, Simmons hit .300 at the plate with 2 home runs, 3 triples, 18 RBI, and 18 runs and struck out just 11 times in 106 plate appearances.

Ruston baseball coach Bryan Beck is excited to see two of the program’s leaders get opportunities in the college ranks.

“ We are extremely proud of David and Jake’s recent commitments to further their athletic and academic journey at incredible JUCO establishments such as South Arkansas and East Central Mississippi,” Beck said. “Both David and Jake are projected to be our number one arm and number one bat in the lineup this upcoming season. Both young men have overcome injuries and other adverse times during the last few years. No one is happier to celebrate their accomplishments like their Bearcat brothers are right now.”