Three Chargers Tabbed with All America Honors

Three Georgia Highlands College baseball players were named to the NJCAA and ABCA Coaches Association All American Teams.  

Barrett Eldridge, the 2024 GCAA Player of the Year, and Ryan Wideman, a third team All American in 2023 were the first two players in program history to be honored with spots on the first team.  Trip Dovale was named to the second team, while the trio puts the Charger's tally at seven All Americans in the last three years.

Eldridge hit .416 for the Chargers in 24, blasting a program best 25 home runs while driving in 87 runs on the season.  The big righthander also pounded out 16 doubles and slugged .841 for the season.  Head Coach Dash O'Neill had this to say about his first baseman, "Barrett was just a run producing machine this season.  It felt like every week he had a couple huge games and he had a knack for putting games out of reach for our opponents." 

Ryan Wideman followed up his outstanding freshman season by hitting .414 for the year with a record 24 doubles, 15 home runs, 74 RBI's and stealing 48 bases.  Wideman was also awarded a Gold Glove for his efforts on defense this season as he made the transition from corner outfield to center field.  O'Neill said Wideman was a special player and that he had an idea this might be coming.  "Widey is one of the best players I've ever had the priviledge to coach.  He is a naturally gifted hitter and a true five tool player.  I knew he'd have another monster year for us, it was only a matter of where the final numbers would land.  He made a decision to add stolen bases to his arsenal this season, and he's such a good athlete that he became one of the most prolific base stealers in the nation." 

Trip Dovale became the first Charger to ever reach double digits in the Wins category on the mound, and will leave the program as one of the top hurlers in program history.  Dovale finished 12-3 on the campaign and threw 96.2 innings for GHC in 2024.  He struck out a record 110 batters while walking only 26 and recording a WHIP of just 1.23.  When asked about Dovale, Dash O'Neill didn't hesitate to sing his praises.  "Trip is special.  He has a lot of confidence in himself and the guys behind him, and he isn't afraid to face anyone.  Very few guys can command four pitches and have the durability to take the mound every week throughout the year.  He not only did that, but he did it in dominant fashion."