Covington first baseman Chris Godwin signs with Jackson State Community College

Covington senior Chris Godwin had perhaps the biggest hit of the season last year for the Chargers.

With a state tournament berth on the line in a sectional game at South Gibson, Godwin hit a solo homer in the top of the ninth to give the Chargers a 5-4 win and another state tournament berth.

As chance would have it, Jacob Bryant, a second baseman for South Gibson, and Godwin ended up texting each other in the days after the game. Bryant was a Jackson State Community College signee and talked about the program to Godwin.

About nine months later, Godwin signed a scholarship with Jackson State.

There was also another connection between Godwin and Jackson State.

“The cool part about it is my dad actually went to Jackson State for his first two years of college,” Godwin said.

Steve Cornelison, now the athletic director at Jackson State, coached Godwin’s father (also named Chris) during his baseball career there. The elder Godwin, through Cornelison, got in contact with JSCC coach Michael Winders, who began scouting Chris.

Godwin eventually toured the campus, liked what he saw and gave a commitment to the school.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things from people who played there,” Godwin said. “I just thought it was the best fit for me.”

Covington head coach Brad Warmath believes Godwin, a three-year starter who is projected as a first baseman in college, has unlimited potential.

“The first thing you notice about Chris is the way he swings,” Warmath said. “He’s a left-hander hitter and a right-handed thrower, which is a plus for him. He’s going to develop the power. It’s in him. It’s coming.”

That power was on display in the sectional game. Winders didn’t see the homer in person, but he was aware of it.

“He definitely saw the video and texted me after, so I thought that was pretty cool,” Godwin said.