Blake Floyd was all smiles as his teammates surrounded him for a photo session in the school’s library.

Floyd, a senior catcher at Pike Liberal Arts School, signed a baseball scholarship to play for Central Alabama Community College (CACC) in Alexander City.

“It’s a great feeling,” Floyd said. “I’m relieved to go ahead and sign so I can concentrate on the season.”

Floyd has played a vital role in Pike’s recent success on the diamond.

Floyd was a starter his sophomore season in 2010 when the Patriots finished 3A State Runner-up to Glenwood School. History repeated itself in 2011 as Pike again fell to Glenwood in the championship series, this time in three games.

While Floyd is looking forward to the challenge of playing baseball at the next level, he is also keeping his eye focused on his upcoming senior season.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Floyd said. “I think we’ll have a good chance at winning it all this year.”

Over the past two seasons, the Patriots have amassed an astonishing record of 89-11.

For Floyd, choosing CACC as his collegiate destination was a relatively easy decision.

“I liked the environment,” he said. “They have a good staff and a good head coach. I’m looking forward to getting up there and working with them.”

Floyd batted .510 with six homeruns in 2010 and .405 with eight homers last season. On the mound last year, Floyd was 8-0 in 13 games with four saves and a 1.74 ERA. He struck out 48 batters in 48 1/3 innings or work.

Floyd will join fellow Troy native Jalin Lawson as the newest members on the Trojan baseball squad. Lawson, who plays second base for Charles Henderson High School, signed with CACC last week.

“I’ve grown up and played with Jalin,” Floyd said. “He knows how to play the game. It will be nice to have him as a teammate.”

Floyd says his goal once on campus in Alexander City will be to earn as much playing time as possible and hopefully improve enough to earn a starting role.

“It’s going to be difficult moving on to a different level,” said Floyd. “Hopefully, I can play well and improve enough to move on to a four-year school.”

Pike will kick off its 2012 campaign against Glenwood on Feb. 13 at Troy University.