TORRINGTON – Baseball has always been Sam Firminhac’s first passion.

As a result, the Torrington High School senior announced he will continue his baseball career at Concordia University, located in Seward, Neb.

“I really feel like it was the best fit for me,” Firminhac said. “(Coach Ryan Dupic) really cares about his players. They have bought into his teachings there, and he has built a winning program there. It was kind of the obvious choice for me.”

Concordia was 14-7 before its season was canceled due to COVID-19.

The versatile player for the Torrington Tigers will focus his efforts on anchoring the infield for the Bulldogs.

Firminhac heads to the NAIA program feeling lucky.

“I’ve been lucky. For a small town, I’ve had some really good baseball coaches and have lots of great memories with the guys on the team,” Firminhac said. “There has been some ups and downs, some good seasons and some bad. It has been a great opportunity for me to be able to play in a program with such good guys and coaches, build relationships and memories.”

Firminhac’s expectations are high heading into his final season as a member of the Torrington Tigers.

“After last year’s finish and we didn’t lose much, we are hoping to give it a run at the state tournament this year,” he said.

Firminhac was a key piece to the team’s run at the 2019 Wyoming State Legion Baseball Tournament.

“I just got back into coaching last year and had the pleasure of meeting Sam for the first-time last summer. Great kid. He’s one of those coachable kids that does anything you ask him to do. Works hard. Great fundamental baseball kid,” Tiger coach Rob Mortimore said. “With Sam, you know he’s going to go to Concordia and set a great example for Torrington Tiger baseball. Just be a good kid, not only in the classroom but on the field. It definitely means a lot for the program, as far as recognition and kids wanting to go play at the next level.”

Firminhac plans to pursue a degree in either communications or secondary education.