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Highlands Today

Sedlock Commits To UCF

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By CHRIS HOFFMAN

Highlands Today

Published: October 4, 2008

AVON PARK - Johnny Sedlock walked onto the campus of the University of Central Florida on Wednesday and he knew he was in the right place.

Sedlock, a former Avon Park standout and current South Florida Community College lefty hurler, didn't hesitate in making his intentions known, as the sophomore has signed a letter of intent to play baseball for the Golden Knights next fall.

"I was really impressed with everything about UCF," said Sedlock while taking in the SFCC volleyball game on Thursday. "The entire coaching staff was with me the whole visit and I was real comfortable with them.

"I'm really honored to be in Coach Terry Rooney's first recruiting class."

Rooney was named head coach of the Golden Knights on June 12 and also serves as UCF's pitching coach, which also caught the eye of Sedlock, who was taken with his future coach's candor and knowledge.

"Coach Rooney explained to me that he was impressed with my maturity in my first year at SFCC, and also that his rotation lacks a left hander," Sedlock said. "He doesn't pull any punches. He told me I'm a solid pitcher but have room to get even better.

"I went with my gut and I've no reservations about the decision I've made. Now I can just concentrate on helping the Panthers win."
Sedlock finished the 2008 season with a 7-5 record but struck out 80 in 91 innings with a 3.43 ERA.

When asked when UCF came under his radar as a possible destination after SFCC, Sedlock told of a chance meeting between SFCC head coach Rick Hitt and a member of the UCF coaching staff last fall.

"Coach met some of the UCF coaching staff at a baseball function and when he came back he gave me a folder from them," Sedlock said. "I kept in contact with them and decided to follow up on their interest in me.

"It feels pretty good when a program is interested in you and makes the effort to show you how you'll fit into their plans."

Hitt couldn't be more pleased with his latest athlete moving on to a four-year institution.

"Johnny is a great person and has the tools to be a great college pitcher," Hitt said. "His mechanics are sound and he's got an instinct for the game. I have no doubts that he'll be successful at the next level."

The early signing day for college athletes is Nov. 2.

Chris Hoffman can be reached at 863-386-5827 or at choffman@highlandstoday.com.

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