SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA – JSerra Catholic High School has announced the first entry into the JSerra Catholic High School Athletics Hall of Fame. Athletic Director Chris Ledyard confirmed Austin Hedges' entry. Hedges is a 2011 alumnus and current professional baseball player with the Cleveland Indians. Ledyard states, "The time to honor our former and current lions is now. We are no longer in our infancy stages as a school, and we have some remarkable stories to share with all regarding our JESPY event and the introduction to our new Hall of Fame."

Hedges, a current San Diego resident, joins the Athletics Hall of Fame after a storied career as a Lion. Hedges was the school's first Trinity League MVP in 2009 as a sophomore and went on to win MVP in his senior season. He garnered All CIF, All Trinity League, and All Orange County in three out of his four years as a Varsity letter winner.

Today Hedges is widely regarded as one of the game's top defensive catchers today.

In his senior year, Hedges made his college commitment to UCLA and Head Coach John Savage, but the professional baseball draft came calling. The San Diego Padres drafted Hedges in the 2nd round (82nd overall). Hedges signed with the San Diego Padres on August 14, 2011.

JSerra Baseball Head Coach Kay had this to say about Hedges and his time as a Lion: "Austin was such a transcendent student and athlete. Austin's presence was the first indication that JSerra Baseball had arrived. Hedges was talented off the field as well, graduating with a 4.0 cumulative GPA. We are very fortunate to have someone of Austin's caliber to be a part of this special place, and I think he is one who helped build this brand we call JSerra Baseball."

This spring, the inaugural JESPY Awards will be held to highlight the year's athletic achievements and open the JSerra Catholic High School Athletics Hall of Fame. The event will take place on Thursday, May 27, and kick off graduation weekend festivities.

A JESPY Award (JSerra Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Award) is an accolade currently presented by the JSerra Athletics Department to recognize individual and team athletic achievement and other sports-related performance during the calendar year preceding a given annual ceremony. The JSerra Catholic High School Athletics Hall of Fame will open with the first class of inductees honoring the achievements and contributions of alumni, boosters, and community members who have played an integral role in the history of JSerra Athletics.