Wendall Ferguson Choses Claflin University for Academics and Baseball
Standard News
As a three-year old, senior Wendall Ferguson picked up his first baseball. Little did he know, the bond made between him and that baseball would change his life.
This year, Ferguson was offered a chance to play Division II baseball as a Panther at Claflin University in South Carolina. Ferguson's hard work on the field and in the classroom has finally paid off. His 3.0 grade point average and his dedication to the sport have earned him an eighty-percent scholarship to Claflin University.
As a position player, Ferguson plays first base, outfield, and his favorite, pitcher. “My favorite part of baseball would have to be pitching,” said Ferguson. I enjoy the intensity of the game and I love the pressure.”
Claflin University is ranked one of America's best liberal arts colleges in the nation. “I chose this school because of academics, but I want a chance to start as a freshman. Claflin offers me both opportunities,” said Ferguson. At Claflin, Ferguson plans to major in sports marketing. After college, he hopes to take his baseball career to an even higher level. As a division II school, Ferguson is hoping to get noticed early so he has a fair chance of being drafted.
At the beginning of his junior year, Ferguson transferred from De La Salle to Brother Rice for personal reasons. As a junior, he earned his playing time by working hard when nobody was watching. Last season, Ferguson had an ERA of 2.10 on the mound and batted .400 with three home runs. Through his hard work, Ferguson went on to make the Under Armor All-American team, Team Illinois, and competed in area code baseball hosted by Gatorade and ESPN; not to mention, he also competed in the Prep baseball report and an Under Armor showcase.
Although his favorite subject is English and his favorite food is shrimp alfredo, nothing compares to his love for the game. Growing up, his role model was well-known baseball player Barry Bonds. “I idolized how Bonds was a passionate player and had a fire to win.” There is nothing he loves more than the intensity of the game.
As much as he loves chasing his dream, it is not all about him.
“I feel that our team has a great opportunity to win Catholic League. We have a lot of talent and we work harder than every other team out there.” This season looks to be a promising one for the Crusaders.
