Nov. 18, 2008

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Alan Mathis, a former dual-position standout at Evangelical Christian School, signed his National Letter of Intent to play at Memphis, Tiger head coach Daron Schoenrock announced today.

"Obviously we are excited with Alan's (Mathis) decision to become a Tiger," Schoenrock said. "He was one of the top local hitters coming out of high school two years ago and has progressed very nicely under Coach Carson and Coach Selby's guidance at Northwest. He should be ready to handle the rigors of C-USA baseball and we expect him to play a significant role in our lineup in 2010."

Currently a sophomore at Northwest Mississippi Community College, Mathis earned a letter as a first and third baseman for the Rangers' in 2008. He hit .339 with 35 RBI and five homers to help NWCC to a 26-16-1 finish last spring. In addition the 6-2 Mathis collected 40 hits, scored 24 runs and banged out 11 doubles as a true freshman.

A native of Memphis, Mathis prepped at ECS and earned a three letters for head coach Steve Heinz. Mathis, who played both corner infield positions and pitched for the Eagles, was tabbed a Commercial Appeal Best of Preps honoree as a junior and senior. His high school career was highlighted by a stellar senior campaign in which her hit .360 and belted seven home runs. In that season, he was named to the 2007 USA Classic Championship all-tournament team after helping ECS take the Classic's championship at Millington's USA Stadium. Mathis played for Dulin's Dodgers in the summer months and helped the squad to a B.E.S.T World Series Championship in 2007.

Mathis's grandfather, Van Mathis, lettered for the Tiger basketball team from 1948-52.