RBHS’ Kolby Bragwell signs with Shelton State

Red Bay’s Kolby Bragwell has signed a scholarship with Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, giving him the opportunity to continue playing a sport he loves at the college level – baseball.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Bragwell. “It was always on of my goals to play in college. Honestly, it’s a relief to have this opportunity, and I’m very excited for the future with Shelton State.”

The two-sport star shines at Red Bay on and off the field as a quarterback on the football team and third baseman for the baseball team.

“He is as good of a hitter as I have had the opportunity to coach,” said Red Bay baseball coach Richard Maggerise. “He is a hard worker and natural talent. He can play anywhere on the field. He just has a knack for the game.”

Bragwell enters his senior season for the Tigers as the team’s leading hitter and the anchor of Maggerise’s team. He is a two-time Class 2A All-State baseball player. Last year he had a .544 batting average, 31 RBIs, 34 runs scored, six home runs and 17 stolen bases.

“We definitely look forward to having him one more season,” said Maggerise. “I know the sky’s the limit for him beyond high school. He has the talent and work ethic to keep playing beyond Shelton State.”

Bragwell said he wants to compete as fast as possible for Shelton State and hopefully make it a stepping stone to bigger things.

“Shelton wants me to be a corner infielder with the possibility of pitching,” explained Bragwell. “I want to go there and compete to be a starter and try to win a championship – and hopefully I can keep playing after my two years there are complete.”