The Putnam County baseball program celebrated two more athletes taking the next step in their athletic careers as seniors Ethan Whatley and Gates Lanzarone officially signed to continue playing at the college level.
For both players, the opportunity represents years of hard work and dedication paying off, while also reflecting the relationships and memories built during their time with the War Eagles.
Whatley signed with South Georgia State College, where he plans to continue developing both on and off the field after spending the past three years at Putnam as a multi-sport athlete.
“I chose to go here because it’s a great place to be,” Whatley said. “The community and the people I’ll be around are great. It’s a good place for me to start my college baseball career.”
During his time at Putnam County, Whatley made his mark in multiple sports. He played both football and baseball all three years, serving as the War Eagles’ starting quarterback for two seasons while also starting every year on the baseball diamond.
The senior said his experience at Putnam helped shape him into the player and person he is today.
“Putnam has taught me to be selfless and have confidence in my abilities,” he said.
At the plate, Whatley provided plenty of memorable moments throughout his career, including hitting eight home runs during his time in Eatonton. But one swing in particular stands above the rest.
“A grand slam against Locust Grove to win the game,” he said.
Lanzarone will continue his baseball and academic careers at Reinhardt University, and he said he’s excited about the opportunity to play at the collegiate level, which he described as a longtime dream.
“I am going to Reinhardt University because I want to continue my baseball and academic career,” Lanzarone said. “It’s been a dream of mine to get to the next level, and now I’m going to be able to live it.”
Like Whatley, Lanzarone leaves Putnam County with plenty of memories from his high school career. His favorite came during a rivalry matchup against Jasper County when he delivered a clutch moment for his team and coaches.
“My favorite memory in high school was hitting a three-run home run versus [Jasper County] in our second game of the doubleheader,” he said.
Lanzarone added he appreciated getting the opportunity to share the field with his younger brother, Will.
“Another thing, too, was being able to play with my little brother for the first and only time I’ll be able to,” he said. “And being able to watch him get his first varsity hit and RBI was cool.”
While the accomplishments on the field stand out, Lanzarone said the relationships formed with teammates over the years will be what he misses most.
“I’ll miss playing with those boys,” he said. “Most of us grew up together, so it’s tough having to leave them behind.”
Putnam County head coach Stephen Phillips said watching both players grow throughout their high school careers has been rewarding.
“It has been amazing to watch these young men develop into the high-level players they are,” Phillips said. “They both have set a standard of excellence for the young to pursue.”