For three Tiger baseball players the decision as to where they will continue their career after their final game in an Edwardsville uniform has finally been reached.

Jake Garella, a 6-foot-1-inch utility player for the Tigers, announced Monday that he will be continuing his career at the University of Mobile.

Garella averaged .366 at the plate last season for the Tigers and lead the SWC in saves on the mound.

“The [selection] process pretty much lasted all summer,” Garella said. “I visited four schools over the past four months, and I just took the visit to Mobile this past weekend and loved it.”

Along with the University of Mobile, Garella also visited Murray State, Maryville University and Benedictine College.

For Garella there were many factors that sold him on Mobile, including the location itself.

“I absolutely loved their facilities and the location is unbeatable; it’s 45 minutes away from the beach,” Garella said.

Always there to cheer him on, Garella owes much of his success to the support system behind him.

“My dad has been there for me from day one and he was a big help when I was trying to decide on a college,” Garella said. “Also my mom, my sister Jordan and my other sister Jenna are always on my side and trying to help me out in any way they can.”

With his commitment comes relief and the time to focus on his final season as a Tiger.

“I finally can just stop worrying about where I’m going to school and start getting prepared for the high school season this spring.”

Another recruit off the mound for the Tigers is senior Trey Riley who has committed to play at Oklahoma State University.

“[The recruiting process] was very hectic,” Riley said. “Calls every day from college coaches and constant text messages, they all kind of say the same thing and it’s tough to think of good responses.”

The senior pitcher travels the nation with his summer team the St. Louis Prospects when not with the Tigers attending numerous recruiting camps and exposure tournaments.

“My best exposure was down in Atlanta at a Perfect Game tournament,” Riley said. “Going to tournaments in select ball, there are always college coaches attending.”

Riley who was 5-1 last season with a 2.31 ERA and 37 strikeouts will work with Cowboys pitching coach Rob Walton during his time in Stillwater who was also a large factor in his college decision.

“Their pitching coach Rob Walton is arguably one of the best in the country,” Riley said. “Also talking to Luke Matheny, who is also a pitcher, really helped out.”

Rounding out the three is senior outfielder Cole Cimarolli who will continue his play at Quincy University.

“I went to a showcase at the field on campus and then they asked me to take a visit,” Cimarolli said. “It was a great atmosphere and it is somewhat close to home. They have had multiple winning seasons as a baseball team everyone was very nice.”

Cimarolli, who exhibits explosive speed on the base path, was also considering Illinois Wesleyan, Columbia College and Webster University. However it was his family that helped him make his final decision.

“They’ve been very supportive of my decisions and helpful in making a decision,” Cimarolli said.

Despite having his final season at Edwardsville still to come, Cimarolli looks forward to his future as a Hawk.

“I’m excited to meet new people, especially my new teammates, and start a new chapter in my life,” Cimarolli said.