The Long County High School baseball team recently recognized its graduating seniors: Christian Hall, Ryan McGowan and Clay Strickland.

Hall, who played baseball for three years, was escorted by his father, Jeremy. He is a member of the Future Farmers of America and also hunts and fishes. After graduation, he hopes to become either a teacher and coach or an X-ray technician.

“Swing with everything you got, hit big or miss big, live as big as you can,” he said to future players.

McGowan was a member of the Blue Tide for his entire high-school career and was escorted by his mother, Beth. He plans to pursue a degree in wildlife and criminal justice to become a game warden. “Work hard, play hard, always keep in mind teamwork. A team does not consist of one player, but many players who would not be on a team unless they had the ability to play as a team,” he said as advice for potential players.

Strickland, a four-year member of the Blue Tide, was escorted by his parents, Benji and Heather. He also was part of the Blue Tide basketball team and likes to fish during his spare time. Strickland will seek a bachelor’s degree in physical education or physical therapy.

“Play your hardest, no matter what,” he said to future players.

Hall, McGowan and Strickland helped lead the Blue Tide to a 12-16 record and a return to the playoffs. The second-straight playoff trip also was the first time in the history of the school that the baseball team made postseason play as a member of Region 2-AA.