Riverside senior Devon Austin signs with Lyon College

Riverside Rebel Devon Austin is looking forward to getting back on the mound for his team his senior year. He will not be stopping there as he will be taking his baseball to the college level. Devon signed a letter of intent Thursday, Feb. 12, to play baseball at Lyon College.

Family, friends, coaches, teammates and fellow students joined Devon for the signing ceremony held in the Rebel gymnasium.

Devon, son of Rick and Debbie Austin, has played baseball, starting with t-ball.

He suffered an ACL tear on Oct. 24 during his first basketball game of his senior season.

"He has worked hard in rehab to come back full strength," Riverside baseball coach Jeff Womack said.

This is Devon's second knee injury as he suffered a MPFL tear (a ligament tear that caused his kneecap to dislocate) two years ago.

"The therapist told my mom and dad this has been my best rehab," Devon said. "I could probably go in there and rehab myself because I've been there so much."

He is only a couple weeks away from being cleared to return to practice and should be ready for the opening game of the season.

Devon said he had been leaning toward Lyon College but still had some colleges to visit. When he talked to the coach at Lyon about his injury he was very understanding. That sealed the deal for Devon.

In addition to continuing baseball, Devon was looking for a good education in the college he chose and Lyon was a fit for him.

During Devon's junior year he went 5-2 on the mound with a 3.18 ERA, recording 59 strikeouts while allowing only 32 walks.

During his sophomore year he went 5-4 with a 2.02 ERA, finishing the year with 59 strikeouts and 22 walks.

When he is not pitching, he plays outfield.

Coach Womack said Devon is a tough player who will work hard.

"He has been a huge part of our program," Coach Womack said.

Devon is a good student with a 3.98 grade point average.

Several of his coaches and former coaches were there to share in his signing day and offer their congratulations.

Devon said he is eager to play and ready to get on the mound.

"I hate sitting and watching," Devon said.