On Wednesday, a signing ceremony was held at Warren Gym for 10 Brownwood Lion and Lady Lion seniors who will continue their athletic and academic careers collegiately.

Brownwood Lion senior utility player Taylor Bessent will be headed to Hardin-Simmons to continue his baseball career, but the postseason awaits first as bi-district action begins at 7 p.m. Friday at San Angelo Lake View in a best-of-three series opener. Games 2 and 3, if needed, for the Lions will be at Morris Southall Field Saturday starting at 3 p.m.

Bessent – who has seen time at first base, right field, and designated hitter during District 6-4A action – said of the opportunity to continue his athletic career, “I always loved baseball my whole life and to be able to have a chance to play at the next level at a school I always wanted to go to is pretty awesome.”

As for the choice of Hardin-Simmons, Bessent said, “It’s a family school, my whole family’s gone there. I talked to Coach (Steve) Coleman and he offered me the opportunity to go.”

Brownwood Lions baseball head coach Brian Harris said of Bessent, “In our program we talk about priorities and perspectives and how to arrange those in our lives. Taylor does a really good job of eliminating distractions that keep him from his faith, his family, his academics and doing what he needs to do athletically. He’s set himself up to succeed in life and that’s a testament to him and his family. We want to congratulate him on his new journey, but we’re not quite done yet and we’re going for that gold ball this weekend.”

The Lions carry a 19-9 overall record into the playoffs and finished second in district with an 8-4 mark.

As for his fondest memories as a Lion, Bessent said, “Coming back from ACL surgery last year I hit a triple in my first at-bat, and this year we’re having a great season and we’re not done yet.”