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Denning signs with Vol State
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Easton Denning has been one of the most feared left-handed bats in the Midstate over the last three years. The Pioneer first baseman will be wrapping up his career at WCHS this spring before heading to Vol State in the fall.
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Photo provided With his parents looking on, Easton Denning made his signing with Vol State Community College official Thursday at a ceremony in the WCHS auditorium.

Easton Denning may graduate in May, but he won't stop being a Pioneer for at least a few more years. The standout first baseman for Warren County made his college commitment official Thursday, signing with the Vol State Pioneers.

Denning, a returning all-district selection for the Pioneers, will be taking his talents to Gallatin following his senior year locally. Friends, family and coaches - past, present and future - were all gathered in the WCHS auditorium to see Denning sign with a college baseball team, a goal he's had for a long time.

"I've been playing since I was 3 or 4. I always dreamed of playing college baseball, but it wasn't until around my freshman or sophomore year that I realized that it was an attainable goal," said Denning.

Blessed with rare size and raw power, Denning is a force on the diamond. He  has hit .356 over the last two seasons with 47 RBIs and 28 extra-base hits for the Pioneers. Pitchers started getting wary of the lefty taking them deep last year as he was issued 34 free passes as well, lifting his on-base percentage to .513 as a junior.

Denning is no stranger to being on the bags as he has held down first base as a starter for two seasons. He's strong on defense, making just three errors last year while recording 166 putouts.

Denning's talent has been catching the eye of college coaches for a while now, but Vol State had coaches - including head coach Jim McGuire - that Denning was familiar with for years and the campus just felt like the perfect fit.

"Vol State stood out because of their coaching staff. I know seven people that know their coaches," said Denning. "Outside of the good I felt when I was on the visit, I have also heard nothing but good from my friends, family and coaches that know coaches there.

"I had a few other offers, but Vol State just seemed like the right place to help me accomplish my goals."

Denning plans on majoring in biology with hopes of pursuing a career in radiology when his baseball playing days are over. Until then, he hopes to keep making memories on the diamond.

"I don't have any specific favorite memories, but getting to compete day-in and day-out in the sport I love is my favorite part of the game," said Denning.

He'll be doing that for at least two more years  - and still as a Pioneer.