Dawson County High School senior Chase Gilreath had plenty of reasons to be smiling last Thursday when he inked a baseball scholarship with the Columbus State University Cougars.

“It’s always been one of my dreams to play college baseball and Columbus State has always had a great baseball team,” said the Dawson County native.

According to Grady Turner, athletic director at the high school, Division II Columbus State has six former players playing pro ball.

“For a program of this size, that is an amazing accomplishment. We’re very proud of him,” Turner said as Gilreath signed his scholarship papers in front of coaches, friends and family during a signing party at the high school library.

Among those in attendance were his father Michael and several coaches Chase Gilreath said attributed to his success over the years.

“I just appreciate everything that everyone has done for Chase. There’s been a lot of people involved with him,” said Michael Gilreath, who introduced his son to the game when he was 4-years-old.

Chase Gilreath grew up playing park and rec ball with his dad and uncle coaching him.

As he got older, he played on the high school  team with Coach Jimmy Preutt and later  joined the 643 Baseball Academy Travel Squad of Alpharetta with Coach Danny Pralgo, who praised Gilreath’s ability both on the mound and on the field.

“Chase is getting that shot of both pitching and playing. I’m tickled to death proud of him and proud to say he was a 643 guy and can’t wait to watch him,” Pralgo said.

Chase Gilreath said he looks forward to taking his baseball career to the next level and getting a great education at Columbus.

“This feels like the right place to go,” he said.