FROM BIG BLUE TO BUC

By Shea Haile Courier Sports

GORDONSVILLE — As the Gordonsville baseball team prepares for their 2026 season on the diamond, one of Big Blue’s top arms has officially made a decision on his collegiate career. Upcoming senior and left-handed pitcher Colton Bennett officially signed with the East Tennessee Buccaneers program on December 12. 

Bennett had been verbally committed to the Southern Conference program since October of 2024.  

“They have a history of winning and I love both of the coaches — that I have been in contact with,” said Bennett. “They are both extremely personal and reached out to me. They made me know that they wanted me and gave me  a great offer. I just loved talking to them.”

The Bucs had a successful season in 2025 as the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division I program compiled a 41-17 record. 

One of the 2025 highlights for ETSU, was defeating the No.1 team nationally at the time and the defending national champion, the University of Tennessee Volunteers. The Bucs posted a 7-6, 10 inning victory in Knoxville. 

East Tennessee, under head coach Joe Pennucci, postseason run was highlighted by a SoCon Tournament victory which clinched a spot in the regionals. The Bucs season would eventually come to an end with Regional Tournament losses against Wright State and second-seeded Louisville. 

Bennett shared how the GHS baseball program played a key role in his improvement and ability to earn a Division I scholarship. 

“I always loved coming in at Gordonsville and working with Coach (Travis) Humes, JR (Cripps) and Coach “D” (Blake Dillingham) in the weight room — in the summer when no one else was here,” said Bennett. “He was always showing up when he did not have to and writing programs for me.  Coach (Mac) Petty as well — all of them helped me anyway they could.”

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