Smart heading to East Central College

LIBERTY- During his four years as a Panther, Jace Smart played just about every position on the baseball diamond. Now Smart will test that theory at the college level as the recent Liberty graduate is heading to East Central College in Union, Missouri, on a baseball scholarship and will play both the outfield and pitch for the Falcons.

“They want me to play both, so I am going there with the mindset to do both,” said Smart. “I prefer pitching, but I just want to contribute to the team.”

Smart has been a four-year starter for the Panthers and helped lead Liberty to the playoff s when he was a sophomore and a junior.

“When I was a sophomore, we knocked out Huffman for a playoff spot and that was a highlight for me,” added Smart.

The Panthers also made the playoffs when Smart was a junior. Both times Liberty fell to Orangefi eld in the playoffs.

Smart was drawn to East Central College by the coaching staff.

“Coach Kelly, who is the head coach, is from Buna, so I quickly felt we had something in common. Plus, he has a good knowledge of the game and that is something that I feel is very important to me.”

At Liberty, Smart played basketball his first three years and football this past year.

“I felt I needed to concentrate on baseball this year, so that is why I choose to sit basketball out,” said Smart.

This summer, Smart has been playing in a college elite-level baseball league.

“It gets me prepared for what I am fixing to go up against, which has been a good learning experience for me.

Smart will leave for East Central College in the middle of August and is ready to put in the work.

“ECC is a two-year school, so the goal is to play at another college when my time is up here. I want to play baseball all four years in college.”

Smart wanted to give a special thanks to his select coach Jay McBride.

“He has stuck with me this whole time and helped me make this happen. I owe Coach Mc-Bride a lot and he has helped me become a better player.”