Ballplayer wins full scholarship
Carl Burrow was patient.
Lakeside's Carl Burrow, flanked by his parents, Kellie and Carl Burrow, signs a baseball scholarship with Middle Georgia College. Burrow, also a running back, was sidelined with injuries for most of the football season.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
He was patient as he was forced to sit for most of the football season because of a broken hand and an injured knee.
An inaugural member of The News-Times' "Super Nine," Burrow had high expectations for the football season.
"It was my senior year, and I felt like I could really do some good things for the team," said Burrow, a running back. "The injuries were really frustrating. I wanted to help the team, but I had to watch."
He watched as the Panthers struggled to a 2-7-1 record on the gridiron.
But he also knew that he would still have a chance to make his senior season memorable.
Burrow is also a standout baseball player, hitting .326 last season, and was named to The News-Times All County team.
On Thursday, Burrow's year got a whole lot better.
The senior signed a full scholarship to play baseball at Middle Georgia College over offers from Augusta State, Chattahoochee Valley Community College and USC Aiken.
"I'm very proud of Carl," said Lakeside coach Jay Matthews. "He struggled with the injuries, and it's good to see he was rewarded for his perseverance."
Burrow will join Brad Freeman and Ryan Pressley, both of Evans, at Middle Georgia next season.
"I know a lot of the guys from playing travel ball," said Burrow. "It is real comforting to know that I will know people that will be teammates of mine. When I visited, it felt like home. Familiar faces will make it more like home."
Freeman said this past Wednesday that he was excited about playing with Burrow.
"He is a great player and a great competitor," Freeman said.
Matthews said Burrow had recovered "100 percent" from his injuries.
"He was a little hobbled when he went down for a tryout," Matthews said. "But he is fully recovered and ready to go."
Middle Georgia recruited Burrow as an outfielder first, but also as a pitcher.
Matthews said Burrow, who throws in the mid-80s, will pitch more than ever this year.
"I'm excited to be able to pitch a lot this year," Burrow said. "I want to be able to control the game and have the pressure on me."