Surrounded by dozens of friends and family members, two Liberty County High School seniors signed with Savannah State University early Friday morning.

Sitting side by side, Cassie Standard agreed to play softball for the Tigers and Chris Arnold will play baseball. Both students said they were grateful for the chance to play locally and stay close to home.

"It’s the best opportunity for me to play and continue my education," Arnold said.

Zach Duncan, assistant baseball coach at LCHS, said Arnold has infinite potential as a ball player and, with some dedication, will definitely succeed in a more competitive program.

"Chris is a great athlete. He’ll go as far as he wants to; it’s up to him" he said.

Arnold’s family also showed their support and said all the traveling for baseball they used to do when he was younger is paying off now that he gets to continue to play.

"I’m so proud of him," Christina Aldredge, his sister said, choking back tears.

"We very proud," his father, Chris Arnold Sr., said. "Since he was nine years old we’ve been traveling to watch him play."

Standard, who plays a multitude of sports for the school, also had a host of fans who cheered her on as she penned her name at the ceremony.

"It’s something I’ve always wanted to do," she said. "I’m really excited."

Jerome Standard, Cassie’s coach and father, said it’s rewarding to see his daughter continuing with the sport he taught her how to play years ago.

"It’s very exciting to see her progress," he said. "I’ve coached her since she was able to walk."

But after years of coaching her, he said he’ll now have to take a seat in the stands and hand over the coaching reins.

"Now, you try to step back and just be a fan," he said.