A true sign of spring

Beneath an inviting January sky, Southeastern Community College baseball coach Scott Johnson begins an infield drill during the Rams’ Tuesday afternoon practice session. The SCC squad has welcomed this week’s warmer weather as it prepares for the 2008 season, which is scheduled to open on Feb. 9 with a home doubleheader against Guilford Tech. Southeastern, which competes in Region 10 of the National Junior College Athletic Association, heads into its first season under Coach Johnson. The Rams posted a record of 23 wins and 27 losses last spring.

Ram second baseman DeMichael Smith fires the ball to the plate during Tuesday infield drills. Smith played at West Columbus High School.

Third baseman Ronnie Stephens makes a throw to the plate during Tuesday afternoon’s SCC baseball practice. Stephens played high school baseball at Wilmington Laney.