Charleston, S.C. Senior outfielder Brian Shubsda signed his contract to join the United States Marine Corps and will report to Officer Candidate School in October, 2009. The Toms River, N.J.-native will participate in The Citadel's Commencement exercises on May 9 and is entering his senior season in baseball for the Bulldogs.

Shubsda took his oath in front of Capt. Soto and Gun. Sgt. Milsaps of the United States Marine Corps while friends and family watched. An outfielder on The Citadel baseball team, Shubsda hit .176 in 18 games played last season.

“I'm very excited, I'm ready to go,” said Shubsda. “I have been a little nervous about today but now I am relieved I got this out of the way. I am very appreciative of the Marine Corps letting me get this done early so that I may focus on our upcoming baseball season. After the season ends, I will get to work to get ready to report in October.”

Shubsda's father, Adam, is a captain with the New Jersey State Police and is noted as Shubda's inspiration behind joining the armed forces.

“My father is a captain in the New Jersey State Police and he has been the inspiration behind me joining the Marine Corps. That, along with the events surrounding 9/11, has made this a goal of mine.”

Shubsda was raised in Toms River, N.J., which is less than 90 minutes from New York City.

Shubsda and the rest of the Bulldogs will open the 2009 season on Feb. 20 as they host Indiana State at 5 p.m. at Riley Park.

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