Years of hard work and long hours of practice came to fruition for Jason Hogan last Friday as he officially signed his name to make his college choice.

Hogan, a first baseman and outfielder for Ardmore, signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, Tennessee, in front of a throng of family, friends, teammates and coaches at the high school.

“It is just a blessing to see the hard work pay off,” Hogan said. “It’s really hard to describe. It’s a good feeling, knowing everything you’ve worked for pays off in the end.”

Ardmore baseball coach Andrew Smith said Hogan has been a pleasure to coach because of the leadership and positive example he brings to the team.

“He is always going the extra mile,” Smith said. “Whether it’s in the weight room getting extra reps or some work after our regular practice. The other players see that. They know how hard he works, and they see what it takes. It’s good to see that hard work paying off for him.”

Hogan said the coaches at Tennessee Tech are what sold him to the program when he visited.

“They really bring a great energy,” Hogan said. “They are big on the mental side of baseball and taking good players and making them great. The community there is also great. It’s a great atmosphere. I’m really looking forward to spending the next four years of my life there.”

While Hogan has worked hard for his collegiate opportunity, he said he couldn’t have made his dream happen without the help and support from others.

“I thank God for the tools he blessed me with and all those who helped me along the way,” Hogan said. “It’s special to be able to celebrate with them. It’s just as much an accomplishment for them as it is for me. I couldn’t have done it without their support.”