Collier, Ware sign with Delta State

FULTON, Miss. – Stone Collier (Fulton) and Brock Ware (Batesville) have signed to continue their baseball careers at Delta State University after their sophomore seasons are finished in Fulton.

Last season, Collier recorded 24 RBI on 40 hits, including five home runs, for a .294 batting average. Behind home plate, he recorded a .985 fielding percentage with 239 put outs and and 17 assists. 

Although he is excited for the next level, Collier knows he has one more season with the Indians, and he looks to make the most of it.

"I love ICC," he said. "Coming back for my third year, I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. I love it, and I love playing for my dad (head coach Rick Collier). It's been something we've dreamed of for years, and I'm glad that we got to live it up. We have one more ride at it and I am excited for it."

During his freshman season, Ware posted a .981 fielding percentage with 49 putouts and four assists. At the plate, he had 16 hits with eight RBI and forced seven walks. He recorded three RBI in a 16-6 win over Holmes last season.

Like Collier, Ware is looking forward to his final season with the Indians. He spoke about how ICC has prepared him for the next level.

"It's been a fun ride," Ware said. "I've learned a lot and a lot has changed. I went from being catcher-pitcher to catcher-hitter and now just pitcher. So I've had to work a lot and I've learned a lot of new things, and I think it has made me ready for the next level."

ICC head baseball coach Rick Collier spoke highly of the two signees and the contributions they have made to the program.

"Both guys have been working very hard, and they had successful freshman seasons and a good fall, and the coaches at Delta State really liked them both, so their hard work has paid off," Coach Collier said. "Brock comes out, and he'll pitch for us and also hit for us, and he's going to be a big key to our success. Stone has worked really hard, overcoming a lot of adversity with his two surgeries."

Collier and Ware join the Statesmen that compete in the Gulf South Conference and are a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II member.