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| Nick Watson, a Lonoke Jackrabbits baseball player, recently committed to play at Arkansas Baptist next season. (Photo by Darren Johnson) |
By Mark Buffalo
Staff Writer
lonokecountysports@gmail.com
Lonoke baseball player Nick Watson is taking his game to the collegiate level.
Watson committed to play at Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock last week. Arkansas Baptist is a junior college coached by Shawn Regan.
"I chose Arkansas Baptist because it was a good way to further my baseball career and to see how I stand to college athletes and to further my education while I was there," Watson said. "My second option was to walk on at Henderson State."
Watson said he always wanted to play college baseball.
"Since I was a kid, I watched baseball, college and pro, and pictured myself there," he said. "That was my number one goal was to become a true college athlete."
Lonoke Jackrabbits coach Darrick Lowery said he is happy for the opportunity that Watson is receiving.
"We are extremely proud of Nick and his opportunity to play baseball at the next level and to continue his education," Lowery said. "He was a vital part of this year's baseball team and he will be dearly missed."
Watson, who pitched, played outfield and first base for the Jackrabbits, said he doesn't know what position he will play for the Buffaloes.
"Coach Regan wants me to workout where I want and he will pick after a period," Watson said.
"I want to do all I can."
"We are excited to have Nick," Regan said. "He is a strong addition to our guys that we have coming back on the pitching staff."
Watson is joining former LHS teammate Lane Moore.
"Nick won't just give us depth in the bullpen but he is going to compete for a spot in our lineup. When I was recruiting Nick, I told him that we liked what he brought to us. He asked what specifically that was, why we were going after him and I responded 'simply that we recruit baseball players.'"
Regan said he tries not to limit what players can do.
"If we see a that kid can hit, he will," Regan said. "If he can pitch, he will. If he can defend, he will. Nick told us that he was our guy. At Arkansas Baptist College, we like hard-working, hard-nosed, strong-willed, tough young men that will work hard toward a common goal. That is what we have in Nick Watson."
Watson is also thankful for the support he's had in high school.
"Thank you to Lonoke and everybody else I know for the support on and off the field," he said. "I am blessed to further my career of the game I love."
Staff Writer
lonokecountysports@gmail.com
Watson committed to play at Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock last week. Arkansas Baptist is a junior college coached by Shawn Regan.
"I chose Arkansas Baptist because it was a good way to further my baseball career and to see how I stand to college athletes and to further my education while I was there," Watson said. "My second option was to walk on at Henderson State."
Watson said he always wanted to play college baseball.
"Since I was a kid, I watched baseball, college and pro, and pictured myself there," he said. "That was my number one goal was to become a true college athlete."
Lonoke Jackrabbits coach Darrick Lowery said he is happy for the opportunity that Watson is receiving.
"We are extremely proud of Nick and his opportunity to play baseball at the next level and to continue his education," Lowery said. "He was a vital part of this year's baseball team and he will be dearly missed."
Watson, who pitched, played outfield and first base for the Jackrabbits, said he doesn't know what position he will play for the Buffaloes.
"Coach Regan wants me to workout where I want and he will pick after a period," Watson said.
"I want to do all I can."
"We are excited to have Nick," Regan said. "He is a strong addition to our guys that we have coming back on the pitching staff."
Watson is joining former LHS teammate Lane Moore.
"Nick won't just give us depth in the bullpen but he is going to compete for a spot in our lineup. When I was recruiting Nick, I told him that we liked what he brought to us. He asked what specifically that was, why we were going after him and I responded 'simply that we recruit baseball players.'"
Regan said he tries not to limit what players can do.
"If we see a that kid can hit, he will," Regan said. "If he can pitch, he will. If he can defend, he will. Nick told us that he was our guy. At Arkansas Baptist College, we like hard-working, hard-nosed, strong-willed, tough young men that will work hard toward a common goal. That is what we have in Nick Watson."
Watson is also thankful for the support he's had in high school.
"Thank you to Lonoke and everybody else I know for the support on and off the field," he said. "I am blessed to further my career of the game I love."
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