Larry Penkava
Staff Writer
RAMSEUR —
Ethan Clark was considering football in college until he learned that coaches were intrigued with his baseball skills.
“I was focused on football but coaches showed an interest in my baseball,” said the right fielder who completed his senior year at Eastern Randolph High School and played for American Legion Post 81.
Clark said the coach at Rockingham Community College wanted him to play at the Wentworth school. But changes in personnel there led him eastward.
“The Wake Tech coach put me on his roster without seeing me play,” Clark said, adding that the Raleigh skipper had received his scouting report from the Rockingham coach.
It’s no surprise that coaches like his play. Clark hit for a .480 average with three home runs this season.
“The Wake Tech coach gave me a workout schedule,” he said. “I’ll be trying to get my feet quicker. They’re looking at (Clark playing) right field or first base.”
Clark said he plans to play for Wake Tech for two years then transfer to a four-year school.
It’s possible he could move up after one season.
Not yet decided on a major, Clark said he’s leaning toward either communications or teaching/coaching.
In the meantime, he said, he’ll take general classes to feel out his interests.
Playing for Eastern Randolph at a down period for the school, Clark said what he’ll cherish most about prep baseball is going to the first round of the state playoffs.
“It was my senior year and I wanted to go out strong,” he said. “It was a good experience. I helped the team get back to the playoffs.”
