Hoffner hopes to fly high with Falcons

SEBRING Trying to figure out the right college to play a sport at is usually a tough decision for an athlete and his family.

For Sebring High senior baseball standout Cody Hoffner, it wasn't that difficult a decision after all.

On Friday, the Blue Streak infielder signed to play baseball at Daytona State College (Daytona Beach) in the fall.

"I'm really glad I signed with Daytona State College and got this out of the way," said Hoffner. "I wanted to enjoy my senior year without all the pressure of trying to figure out where I was going to college. It's a great school with an outstanding coaching staff and it's a good environment. They have a great baseball program and I really like Coach (Tim) Touma because he's been there for nine years and the program is well run.

"I have a chance to get some playing time as a freshman and I'm looking forward to the challenge of playing college baseball."

Hoffner, who played both shortstop and third base, batted .311 with a team-high 23 RBIs and led the Blue Streaks to the regional semifinals last year.

Hoffner, who was selected to the 2009 Highlands Today All-Heartland baseball team, is a solid defensive player and the Blue Streak senior has worked hard to improve his hitting.

"Daytona State College has really made some improvements and it's a great opportunity for Cody," said veteran Sebring coach Hoppy Rewis. "He's the hardest working player I've ever had and will play shortstop for us this year. He's got a lot of talent, he's a hard worker and I'm glad he's signed and knows where he's going so he can relax and enjoy playing baseball this spring without all the pressure."

Hoffner, who grew up playing Dixie Baseball at Max Long Recreational Complex, has also played travel ball for the last few years and attracted a lot of attention with his ability on the diamond.

Hoffner has been selected to play in the prestigious 2010 Under Armour All-American Preseason Tournament this weekend in Tucson, Ariz.

The tournament is for the top high school seniors in America and Hoffner is looking forward to proving that he can compete with the best baseball players in the country.

"I'm very excited to be selected to play in the Under Armour tournament," the 17-year-old Blue Streak athlete said. "It's a fun event and I just want to go out and enjoy myself.

"I'm not going to put a lot of pressure on myself, because when you do that, you don't perform as well as you can and I'm just going to play like I always do."

Having Hoffner play at Daytona State College, which is a two-year school, gives his very supportive family a chance to see many of his games in person.

"We're very proud of Cody because he's worked his entire life for this opportunity," said Scott Hoffner, Cody's father. "We're glad he's going to Daytona State College because it's close enough that we can see him play and it's one of the best junior colleges in the nation baseball-wise and academically.

"Coach Touma is a great coach and knows the game because he played college baseball at the University of Florida and also played professional ball for the Cleveland Indians organization."

Being selected for the Under Armour tournament is just one more feather in Hoffner's cap, since he was also named to the all-tournament team at the IBC 18-under World Championships in August in St. Petersburg.

"It's a real honor for Cody to be selected to represent Team Florida in the Under Armour tournament because it's for the top seniors in the country," said Scott Hoffner. "There will be coaches and professional scouts at this event and it's a great opportunity for Cody to see how his skills match up with the best players in the nation.

"Cody has always worked hard to improve and I have no doubt he's ready for the next step."

Hoffner is excited about his final year of high school baseball and the prospects of what the future holds for the Blue Streak athlete.

"I'm looking forward to this season because we have a good team," said Hoffner. "I want us to have a good season and make the playoffs because we've made them the last few years.

"I'm going to enjoy my final year of high school baseball and I'm looking forward to what the future holds for me."

Mark Pinson can be reached at 863-386-5837 or mpinson@highlandstoday.com