Scholarship signing: Cleburne County's Deese picks Central Alabama
Nov. 8—HEFLIN — Family, friends, classmates, teammates, coaches and plenty of others who admire Cleburne County High senior Jayson Deese descended on the school's library Wednesday afternoon.
The group was there to see Deese sign scholarship papers to play baseball at Central Alabama Community College.
Deese's family provided plenty of snacks, but he didn't have time to eat as he posed for bunches of pictures with a steady stream of well-wishers.
"It's a great opportunity," Deese said during a break from pictures. "I've overcome a lot of adversity to get here. I worked my butt off for this moment. I'm really excited to go play and learn more about the sport."
Speaking to the gathering before Deese put pen to paper, Cleburne County baseball coach Robert Townsend showered Deese with compliments, recalling that Deese was the first player he met after accepting the job. Townsend ran into Jayson and his father, Jay Deese, working out on the baseball field.
Townsend said he often finds Deese on the field, trying to improve his game.
"Jayson, his work ethic is great," Townsend said. "He's all the time working. You can't seem to not see him at the field. That's what it takes to get on the next level, and in today's world, as the college realm is concerned, any time you get a chance, it's a big opportunity.
"And he's going to get an education out of it, which is great for him. He's helped a lot of people, teammates and younger kids in our community, so I can't say enough good things about him."
Tammy Deese, Jayson's mother, said her son is being signed as a left-handed pitcher. She said he plans to major in history and minor in special education, which is close to his heart because his brother, Travis Deese, is on the Autism spectrum.
Jayson was pitcher of the year and most valuable player for Cleburne County. He also was voted tri-county player of the year for Cleburne, Clay and Randolph counties.
He pitches and plays first base for Cleburne County, and this past season, he was 3-3 2.89 ERA in 46 innings on the mound. He batted .382 with 26 hits, including nine doubles, two triples and a home run.
Asked why he chose Central Alabama, Deese said, "The way they talked to my family, especially my brother. They created a great bond with us and my family. Great coaches, too."
Senior Editor Mark Edwards: 256-235-3570. On Twitter: @MarkSportsStar.