Former Lions Reach for a Big Dream

Every little league baseball player has the dream of playing in the "big leagues" on the green grass of a Major League ballpark. For these 4 former Lions their dream is one step closer. Chris Province, Bryan Frichter, Wade Miley, and Ty Summerlin are all pursuing their dream as professionals in the minor league ranks across the country.

Province, a pitcher in the Boston Red Sox organization, was a 4th round pick in the 2007 draft. The Slidell, LA native left Southeastern as the school's all-time career leader in saves with 14. His 8 saves in 2007 rank as the 2nd most in a single season for a Lion. Currently Province plays for the Double A Portland Sea Dogs of the Eastern League. Province was named to the 2009 Eastern League All-Star game as he finished the season with a 2-4 record and 2.60 ERA. He totaled 55 strikeouts in 79 innings of work.

Frichter has enjoyed success in the professional ranks playing for the San Angelo Colts, an Independent team in the United League. Frichter followed up his 2008 Rookie of the Year campaign with the 2009 League MVP award. Frichter led the ULB with a .385 batting average as the Colts won the regular season title. The Chalmette, LA native led the Colts in hits (100) and steals (29) to go along with 12 HRs. Frichter was a member of Coach Jay Artigues' first recruiting class playing for the Lions from 2006-2007. In 2007 Fritcher hit .319 and led the Lions in doubles (15). He also swiped 20 bases in 24 attempts.

Miley, a Loranger, LA native, became the highest drafted athlete in Southeastern history when the Arizona Diamondbacks selected him in the 1st round of the 2008 MLB draft. Playing from 2006-2008 Miley left Hammond as one of the most dominant pitchers in school history. He ranks 5th in career wins (20), 2nd in career strikeouts (259), and 5th in career innings pitched (273). During the 2008 season Miley finished with 119 strikeouts, 5th best in school history. Miley began the 2009 season with the South Bend Silverhawks in the Class A Mid West League. With the Silverhawks he posted a 5-9 record with a 4.12 ERA. His 91 strikeouts ranked 2nd on the team. In July Miley was called up by the Visalia Rawhide to the Class A Advanced California League. Here he finished with a 4.80 ERA and struck out 11 batters in 15 innings.

One of the most prolific hitters in Lion baseball history, Summerlin was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 30th round of 2009 MLB draft. The Vancleave, MS native completed his first year playing for the State College Spikes in the Class A New York-Penn League. Summerlin hit .224 while recording 39 hits and scoring 15 runs in 53 games. From 2006-2009 Summerlin became Southeastern's All-Time Hits leader (276), scored the most career runs (176), and ranks 3rd in career RBI (156). During his 2009 senior season Summerlin led the Lions in hits (83), doubles (24), total bases (121), and stolen bases (12). Summerlin won the team Triple Crown during his junior season posting a .342 batting average, driving in 60 RBI, and hitting 8 HRs.

As these former Lions reach for their dream, we'll enjoy following their successes and wish them the best. Good luck!