Clovers' Mannan signs on for Lincoln Trail

Cloverdale senior catcher Austin Mannan signs to play baseball for Lincoln Trail College. Mannan was an all-county performer last season for the Clovers. Pictured are (from left) Cloverdale athletic director J.J. Wade, Mannan and head coach Bryan Archer. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

Cloverdale senior Austin Mannan recently agreed to continue his baseball career at Lincoln Trail College.

Mannan, a catcher, was an all-county performer last year, batting .440 with 46 RBI.

"He really deserves this," Cloverdale head coach Bryan Archer said. "He stepped in his freshman year and took over the starting catcher duty. He's been a great example of hard work and dedication to the team."

Mannan said selecting his school was a tough choice.

"It was a close tie between Rend Lake (College) and Lincoln," Mannan said, "But all-in-all I think Lincoln Trail just had the better coaching and better facilities."

Lincoln Trail is located in Robinson, Ill., about an hour and a half southwest of Putnam County.

Mannan said he is looking forward to continuing his career as a catcher, the only position he has played, save a short stint in the corner infield.

"I played third base here and there, but I grew too big and too slow for that," Mannan said.