It didn’t take long for Aaron Barclay to decide on his collegiate future.
The Iola High standout baseball player will follow in a family tradition in attending Allen Community College next fall.
He signed a letter of intent recently to play for ACC under head coach Val McLean.
The Barclay family legacy at Allen is extensive.
Aaron’s father, Neal, is an ACC graduate and member of the college’s Board of Trustees. His grandfather, Bob Barclay, is a long-time ACC instructor and remains a valued member of the college’s support team.
Aaron brings quite a bit to the table as well.
In his two years of varsity baseball experience, Barclay shined first as a hitter, then on the mound for the Mustangs.
In his sophomore year, Barclay played primarily as a designated hitter, batting .280 with eight runs scored and 11 RBIs in 54 plate appearances. He also smacked a home run and double.
Barclay’s duties changed as a junior, when he took his services to the mound.
While compiling a 2-0 record, he recorded a sparking 0.94 ERA in 11 appearances, covering 22 1/3 innings. Barclay started two games, including one complete game with three strikeouts.
The statistics bear out Barclay’s greatest strength, ACC head coach Val McLean said: control.
“He throws strikes,” McLean said. “There’s not a coach around who won’t take a pitcher who throws strikes.”
Before he takes to the collegiate ranks, Barclay will be a vital cog for the Mustangs this spring, said Mark Percy, Iola coach. Adding to the urgency is the quick start for the Mustangs. They open the 2013 season March 14 at home against Chanute, nearly two weeks earlier than normal.
“And right now, three quarters of our team is still playing basketball,” Percy said. “Aaron will be counted on quite a bit early on.”
Baseball practice begins Monday for high schools across the state.
Barclay, son of Neal and Sherri Barclay, Iola, plans to study business economics and sports medicine at Allen.
