WESSON — For Aaron Gulliot, Cole Zumbro, and Cass Brister theirlong baseball playing relationship as friends and teammates isabout to hit another state. The three sophomores fromCopiah-Lincoln Community College have signed letters of intent tobecome Montevallo Falcons.

“I feel very good about signing these three guys to come here,”said second year Montevallo head coach Greg Goff. “We’ve signedthree solid players with a lot of upside. I expect each tocontribute.”

Goff, who graduated 17 players off his 26-27 Falcons squad, isassembling his first recruiting class at the Central AlabamaDivision Two laden school. The former Kentucky Wildcats assistanthas signed nearly 15 players this off-season.

“We lost a lot so we’ve basically rebuilding.” added Goff. “Ourmain objective here is to bring in some very talented and qualityguys so we can be more competitive.”

The Falcons are in the same conference as Division Two NationalChampion Delta State. Montevallo beat the Statesmen 9-8 in 11innings this season in Gulf South Conference Action. Overall theywent 1-3 against Delta State.

“We’ve got a lot of good teams in our conference,” continuedGoff. ” Having coach Mike Kinnison and his National Champion teamin our division, just makes it more competitive andrespectful.”

One player Goff stole away from Kinnison was Franklin Countynative Micah Cole Zumbro. The Z-Man entertained offers from DeltaState, Murray State, and high interest from USM, Ole Miss, andLouisiana-Lafayette before committing to the Falcons.

“Cole is a player I believe can come in here and be our toppitcher as well as a hitter.” said Goff. “He’s a very good guy witha lot of potential.”

Zumbro a 6-3, 223-pound RHP/DH went 7-3 on the mound this seasonwith a 3.45 ERA as a red-shirt sophomore at Co-Lin. He had TommyJohn Surgery last season on his UCL ligament in his right arm. Atthe plate he batted .339 with five home runs and 23 Runs BattedIn.

“Without question they (Montevallo) are excited to get someonelike Cole’s statue.” said Co-Lin field general Keith Case. “He’sgot great potential, and should be throwing even harder nextseason.”

This season at Co-Lin, Zumbro peaked out at speeds of 90 and 91mph, with consistent pitches coming in around 86-88. Case believeshe could hit the mid 90’s again next year. Zumbro topped speeds of94 and 95 mph before he hurt his right arm last year. He also has aknack for hitting, he belted a total of 26 homers combined duringhis junior and senior seasons at FCHS.

“Cole is a dynamic player,” added Goff. “I saw him in highschool and he really opened my and other coaches eyes. His size andstrength, plus coming back from a surgery that in some cases makesyou throw harder and faster is a benefit to him and ourprogram.”

A 2000 Daily Leader All-Area Player of the Year. Zumbro wasdrafted in the 36th round of 2001 Major League Baseball Draft bythe Montreal Expos out of high school at Franklin High. He wasnamed the MVP of the 2001 MHSAA High School All-Star game and wasthe winning pitcher of the 2002 National Summer League ChampionArlington Senators. He also collected All-Region 23 honors thisseason.

Another player Goff is excited about signing is Zumbro’s EllzeyHall roommate Aaron Guillot a native of Thibodeaux, La. A two-yearstarter at shortstop and second base for the Wolves, Gulliot batted.240 with a .327 on base percentage this season. He had a .926fielding percentage as well.

“Aaron’s another guy with a huge upside,” continued Goff. “We’relooking for good things out of him as a leader on and off thefield.”

In 2003 Guillot made the All-State team as a freshmen shortstop,he signed with Montevallo at that position.

“Aaron’s a steady player that is as good as they come in themiddle infield.” added Case. “He’s a good kid and a great signingfor the University of Montevallo.”

The Falcons last local signing hails from Lincoln County is LoydStar native Cass Brister. At 6-4, 175 pounds, Brister signed withMontevallo as a right-handed pitcher. He finished 1-3 on the moundthis season at Co-Lin, with a 5.20 ERA.

“Cass threw well for us this year,” said Case. “He was slowed bya shoulder injury most of the season.”

Brister is expected to have shoulder surgery Monday (June 7th.)His new coach feels very good about his prospects on the mound nextseason and beyond.”

“Like Cole, Cass suffered through some injuries over the pastyear.” added Goff. “He’s a very talented pitcher with a chance toimprove a lot over the next two years. His 6-4 frame will be anasset.”

Based thirty miles south of Birmingham, the University ofMontevallo is one of the nations premier up and coming Division Twoschools. They are currently building an $11 million sportingcomplex to benefit their program and staff.

“We here at Co-Lin are going to miss these three, but I knowthey will do good.” added Case. “I feel them and the University ofMontevallo are a good fit.”

Other graduating players on coach Keith Case’s squad that havesigned scholarships pacts are catcher/third baseman Diego Nucetewith Division Two Texas A&M-Kingsville, outfielder Casey Ginnwith William Carey College out of Hattiesburg, and JeffreyWaycaster with Mississippi College in Clinton.

Right-handed pitcher Tyler Perrett, a Hazlehurst native isexpected to walk-on at Ole Miss.