News Summary
Kody Barton, a senior from Basalt High School, has signed his letter of intent to play college baseball for the Ottawa University Braves. Marking a significant milestone in his athletic career, Kody’s journey to recruitment included challenges, hard work, and dedication both on the field and in the classroom. He plans to pursue a major in business and engineering while aiming to leave a lasting legacy with the Basalt Longhorns before starting this new chapter.
Exciting News for Basalt High School Senior Kody Barton!
In the picturesque town of Basalt, Colorado, a young athlete is getting ready to take a big leap into his future! Kody Barton, a determined senior at Basalt High School, has officially signed his letter of intent to play college baseball with the Ottawa University Braves. This moment marks the culmination of years of hard work both on the diamond and in the classroom.
The Journey to Recruitment
For a while, Kody faced a challenging road while trying to get noticed by college scouts. While he poured his heart and soul into playing as both a pitcher and catcher for the Basalt Longhorns, securing a college baseball recruitment was tougher than expected. Kody had even started to shift his focus to his academic goals in light of the difficulties he encountered with the recruitment process.
But just when things seemed a bit bleak, something unexpected happened! A coach from Ottawa University, a private college tucked away just about an hour from downtown Kansas City, reached out to him. Curious and excited, Kody took a trip to the campus, which led to a life-changing decision—he chose to enroll. Ottawa University not only competes at the NAIA level, but they also provide a warm, welcoming environment for aspiring athletes like Kody.
Signing Day Celebrations
On the very first day of the national signing period, Kody sat down at Basalt High School, surrounded by friends, family, and teammates, to sign his letter of intent. The atmosphere was electric, filled with dreams and aspirations from not just Kody, but his peers as well. This day not only represents Kody’s commitment to furthering his baseball career but also highlights a momentous occasion for the whole Basalt community.
Shifting Gears
While Kody excelled as a football player at Basalt, he always held a deep desire to make his mark on the baseball field. Even though he briefly entertained an offer to play as a long snapper for another school in Kansas, baseball was the dream that captured his heart. The recruitment journey has been exhausting, but the excitement now is palpable as he prepares for his next chapter.
Future Goals and Academics
As for what’s next, Kody plans to major in a combination of business and engineering at Ottawa University. This blend of studies not only offers him a wealth of knowledge but also keeps his career options diverse, ensuring he has a solid academic footing while pursuing his passion for baseball. He has shown immense dedication to balancing sports and studies, and he aims to carry that same spirit into college life.
Leaving Colorado Behind
Though Kody has his sights set on this exciting new venture, he admits that he will miss Colorado’s awe-inspiring mountainous scenery. It’s a place filled with memories, from youth travel teams to high school games. But the chance to don the Ottawa Braves uniform and compete at the next level is an opportunity too good to pass up.
Looking Ahead
As the high school baseball season gears up, with practice slated to begin on February 24, 2025, and games kicking off in early March, Kody is determined to finish strong with the Basalt Longhorns. The upcoming season will be a perfect farewell tour, allowing him to leave a lasting legacy behind before embarking on a new adventure. It’s an exciting time for Kody and a promising future lies ahead as he prepares to chase his dreams on the baseball field!
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Additional Resources
- Aspen Times: Kody Barton’s College Baseball Dream
- Go Tigers Go: Cory Barton Named Pitching Coach
- Restoration News Media: Newberry Sweeps Barton
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Baseball
- Google Search: Kody Barton
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
