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Ceres High's Turpin signs national letter of intent with University of San Francisco
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Charlotte and Ken Feliz have watched grandson Haydon Turpin play baseball countless times during his lifetime.

Turpin took up the sport at the age of four in Turlock.

He honed his skills in the Ceres Youth Baseball Organization recreational and all-star leagues.

Haydon was promoted to Ceres High's varsity team as a freshman.

"The kid is so determined," Charlotte said. "He eats, sleeps and dreams baseball. Hopefully, he gets to where he wants to be."

Turpin will continue his baseball career at the University of San Francisco.

He committed to the Dons last month.

Haydon accepted an academic scholarship that will cover 80 percent of his schooling.

Turpin has a cumulative GPA of 3.7.

"When November 14 came around and I signed that letter of intent, it was the biggest stress reliever," he said. "All of my hard work paid off. I've dreamed of playing Division-I baseball since I was a little kid. It's nice to know where I'm going."

Added Charlotte: "We're extremely proud of his accomplishment. It's very special. I know San Francisco is tickled to have him. I'm so thankful."

Haydon will vie for playing time at pitcher with San Francisco in 2014.

"The opportunity to start is there," Turpin said. "I'm going to be throwing some innings."

Turpin had a productive junior season with Ceres High last spring.

Haydon was cleared to play after recovering from a torn ankle ligament sustained during the basketball season.

He compiled a 6-2 record with a 3.82 ERA and 41 strikeouts.

Turpin was selected to the Western Athletic Conference Second Team.

The Bulldogs qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV playoffs, and finished 18-11 overall and second overall in conference play (8-4).

"We had a spectacular season," Haydon said. "I just wish we would have won league. We're going to be shooting for a championship this year. If we don't win it, I'll be really disappointed."

Turpin will move to San Francisco in August.

Haydon has already received a workout schedule from the Dons' coaching staff.

He's required to complete military circuit training exercises.

He lifts weights.

He also does Yoga.

"I work out every day of the week," Turpin said. "I feel guilty if I don't go to the gym. I've seen a big improvement in my flexibility. It's intense."

When asked what he enjoyed most about pitching, Haydon said: "I like the pressure of it. I feel in control."

Turpin will major in psychology at San Francisco.

He wants to become a sports psychologist.

"It's going to be hectic balancing sports and academics," he said. "I'm ready for the challenge."