Jackson Sellers
By Gary Corsair
Sports Editor
Jackson Sellers is performing at a level that demands attention from college recruiters, but the Smoky Mountain Conference’s best baseball player has already decided where he’ll play after his remarkable prep career ends.
The Hayesville senior with a superb curveball, exploding fastball and potent bat has committed to Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in Hudson, N.C.
“He has set the goal to get a college offer since early on in his sophomore season I believe. He worked to get bigger, faster and stronger in the off-season and in season. He’s one of the hardest workers in this program that I have ever coached,” stated Jackson’s father and head coach Joe Jack Sellers, who pitched for Western Carolina University, 1993-’95.
The hard work has paid off handsomely. Sellers owns career marks of 15-2 win/loss and 1.37 ERA in three seasons on the mound.
“We are very excited to have Jackson joining us at Caldwell Tech this fall,” Head Baseball Coach Tyler Deaton said Tuesday. “He is a big physical kid, multi-sport athlete, that we think can come in here and help us right away.”
It sure looks that way. This year, Sellers has thrown two no-hitters, has an .38 ERA, averages two strikeouts per inning and owns a 3-0 record.
His hitting is nearly as impressive. Sellers’ average is .520.
Sellers is badly needed. The Cougars have a team ERA of 5.39 and staff ace Avery Strange, the only hurler with an ERA under 4.00, is a sophomore.
No doubt about it, Caldwell Community College Cougars scored big time when they signed the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder who carries a 3.97 grade point average.
“Jackson is a great kid with a determined mindset, and comes from a great family,” Coach Deaton remarked. “Early in the recruiting process Jackson told me he wants an opportunity to compete at the next level and we are more than happy to offer him that with us here at Caldwell Community College. He has a bright future ahead of him both on and off the field.”
Sellers will join winning program. CCCTI’s baseball team is riding a 10-game win streak and owns a 19-8 record. The Cougars were 28-20.
Whether Sellers pitches in Division 3 for one or two seasons remains to be seen. He’s cinch to move up a level or two if he continues to improve.
“He had offers from Division 2 and Division 3 but chose the Juco, Junior college, route. He wants someday to get a chance at Division 1,” Joe Jack Sellers said.