Graduating on the Diamond

Instead of walking across the stage Friday night at Verizon Arena, eight Cabot seniors walked across the baseball field and received their high school diplomas.

The ceremony was held right after the boys finished playing their last game. Players put on their cap and gowns over their uniforms. As music played, the seniors walked onto the field and the coaches stood at home plate. The announcer called each student's name and read their Cabot High School accomplishments. 

After clinching the #1 seed in the 7A East with a 2-0 victory over West Memphis, the team advanced to the 2nd round of the state tournament. The game against Springdale Har-Ber was scheduled for Friday, May 15th at 2:30 in Bentonville, the same day as graduation.

After debating back and for on what to do, they decided they would graduate on the field. Even though they lost against Har-Ber 8-1, these players have a passion for baseball and ended their senior year doing what they love. It was a special time and a special memory these eight seniors will now share. 

An interesting fact is five of the players (Landon James, Lee Sullivan, Tristan Bulice, Jonathan Latture and Gavin Tillery) have played ball together since they were 5/6 years old. They won Southwest Regional Champs in 2005 and were State Runner-Up in 2007 in the 10-year-old league division.

During their time playing Cabot High School baseball, the Panthers scored many accolades including being named Co-Conference Champs, a first time for Cabot. It was also their first time to win ten conference games.

Congratulations to the players and coaches! We are very proud of your accomplishments!

Players:

Dylan Bowers
Tristan Bulice
Landon James
Jonathan Latture
Austin Null
Ethan Smith
Lee Sullivan
Gavin Tillery

Coaches: Ronnie Goodwin head coach, David Smith, and Cody Perrin.