 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
Unsettled collegian finds 'good fit' in S.C.
By KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writer INVERNESS -- After making stops at the Air Force Academy and Santa Fe Community College the past year, former Citrus standout Sam McLain hopes his next college destination will be the last. "I'm ready to settle down," McLain said. McLain, a former Times All-Citrus/Hernando pick in baseball and football and a 2001 graduate, is headed to Furman, a Greenville, S.C., school mainly known for its academics. He plans to walk on to the baseball team, and is receiving financial aid. McLain will have three years of eligibility. "I really like it up there. It's a really pretty campus," he said. "My dad and I went up there and checked out some schools (in the spring). We talked to (Furman baseball coach Ron Smith), and he was interested. It's a Division I school, and coming from an academy I wanted a high academic place and I still wanted pretty good baseball. I thought Furman was a good fit." McLain attended the Air Force Academy last fall. He separated his shoulder during a junior varsity football game, and missed several weeks. A healthy McLain dressed in the varsity's season-ending win over Utah, but transferred to Santa Fe in January. "Football didn't work out, but it was a great experience for me," McLain said at the time. "It was very tough, academically and militarily, but I was doing all right. I didn't leave there failing out. "Baseball has always been my sport. I always loved to play baseball, and that was part of my decision to come back (to Florida)." At Santa Fe, McLain started 27 games in centerfield, hitting .250 with 7 doubles and 20 RBIs for the Saints (24-22). But the 6-foot-1 McLain was unsatisfied with his play, which he partially blamed on his loss of several pounds while at the Air Force Academy. "It was a rough year," he said. "I don't want to make excuses, but I lost a lot of strength." Furman went 26-34 last season. The Paladins play in the Southern Conference. Smith could not be reached for comment, but McLain said there is an opportunity for early playing time in the outfield. He starts classes in September and fall practice shortly after. -- Keith Niebuhr can be reached at 860-7337 or niebuhr@sptimes.com.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
|
Citrus Times Letters |
