BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Cardinal first baseman Ryan Stephens signed a national letter of intent on May 1 at MCHS to continue his academic and athletic career at Alice Lloyd College. He plans to major in criminal justice and minor in psychology.

Stephens was raised by Chasity and Barry Ward (mother and stepfather) and Shawn and Sara Stephens (father and stepmother) of Tomahawk.

Ryan has a love for the game and has played baseball since he was 6 years old.

Stephens was selected as a Martin County Cal Ripken All-Star in every season he played in the league.

ALC offered a scholarship to Ryan after seeing that he bats at over .300.

His consistency has put him in the top few of the state and number one in the district and region with a fielding average of .900.