CBA baseball college Wayne-Wilson News Leader, Fremont, NC

By Sarah A. Wise
NL Staff Writer
“I always wanted to see us all going to college to play ball,” said Thomas Pilkington, “but to see how many we’ve had actually sign this year, that was awesome.”
Pilkington is one of three Aycock players who have recently signed on to continue his baseball career at the college level. Pilkington has signed with Lenoir Community College. Teammates Bradley Taylor and Joseph Toler recently signed with North Carolina Wesleyan College.
Pilkington said he chose Lenoir Community because he’s been watching the program, and he likes where it’s going. The coach was another selling point for Pilkington. He said that when he visited and talked with the coach, he saw right away that he was very dedicated to his team and their success, which reminded him of Coach Davis. After discussing the option with him, they both agreed that LCC was a good fit for him.
“There are three third basemen who are really good,” he said. “I’m going to have my hands full trying to get some playing time.”
The coaching staff was key in the decision-making process for Toler and Taylor as well. Both said Head Coach Charlie Long at NC Wesleyan reminded them a lot of Coach Davis. Toler added that the playing style of the team was similar to Aycock as well.
Taylor said he felt NC Wesleyan was a good fit because it was a smaller school with an excellent team. But he notes that there will be some stiff competition for the open spots.
Toler agrees that getting stronger is going to be key to earning those key starting spots. He said he has a lot of excitement about getting to play with the team.
“I like the way they just go and get it done,” Toler said. He added that the coach was a major influence in his decision as well. He said Coach Long’s enthusiasm for the game and for his team rubs off on the team, making them better players.
“You don’t want to play for a coach that doesn’t want to win, who is settled into the way things are,” he said.
All three gentlemen said that they were a little amazed that they were going on to play baseball at the college level. They credit Coach Davis with helping them along as players and guiding them through the process of signing with a college.
“If not for him, I wouldn’t be as good a ballplayer as I am,” said Toler.

Issue of 5 July 2007

Headlines

Championship teammates head for college

Election time approaches

Proposed changes for Fremont worker policies

New officer, programs for Fremont police

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