Latta’s Christian Hendricks and Travis Power signed to play baseball for USC Sumter on Friday, January 17, at the Ellis Performing Arts Center.

Both pitchers were crucial to the Vikings last season as they made their way to the Class A state championship series, where they finished as state runner-up with a 23-4 record.

It was a learning experience for both players and one they will never forget.

Hendrix said he will always remember the first game of the series, when he came in to pitch relief in the last four innings and helped the Vikings to a 5-3 win.

“Getting there was tough,” he said, “and playing there was tougher. I still need to learn more.”
Power said the trip to the series was one of the highlights of his time with Latta so far.

“It taught me that I need to work harder,” he said, “and don’t take anything for granted.”

Another fond memory for Power was striking out 13 batters against Green Sea in his sophomore year.

Both Hendricks and Power said their biggest influences were their coaches, including former head coach Daniel Little, who was named Class A Coach of the Year in 2013 before departing Latta for a coaching position at Landrum.

Both pitchers started young, with Hendricks beginning playing at the age of four, and both have remained focused on baseball above all other sports.

Power said his strengths including painting the corners and his curve ball, and he’s hit speeds of 82 miles per hour on the mound. Hendricks is also good at hitting the corners, and he’s going to continue working hard on his change-up.

Hendricks said he chose USC Sumter because it was a very nice place. “The coach is a great person,” he said, “and the program is on the rise.”

Power agreed. “It seemed to be the best fit.”

Power plans to major in sports management, and while Hendricks said he was undecided, he is leaning towards athletic training or sports management.

Family, friends, and coaches were on hand for the signing on Friday.

“I’m so very proud of Travis for working so hard for many years,” Mary Lou Power said of her son. “Many have assisted him in this endeavor, such as Teddy Williams and Michael Rogers, who coached and taught him many things.”

Hendrick’s mother, Keisha Hyatt, added, “We are extremely proud of all of his accomplishments and hard work. We are very thankful that his hard work paid off. We look forward to his future accomplishments.”

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