News-Argus 1-on-1 with Coy Barnett

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on September 4, 2015 1:48 PM

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Eastern Wayne graduate Coy Barnett is continuing his career at Southeastern Community College, which competes on the Region X JUCO scene.

The News-Argus conducted a Q&A with Barnett, who earned all-Eastern Carolina 3-A/4-A Conference accolades this past season with the Warriors.

Q: Why did you choose Southeastern Community College?

A: I talked to Coach (Jason) Sherrer at University of Mount Olive. He told me it would be the best route for the future where I could develop physically and mature. That's what he did. He said it paid off for him. (Sherrer was a member of UMO's 2008 Division II College World Series championship team).

Q: How do you feel you can help the Southeastern Community College program?

A: I will probably be a two-way player, pitch in the pen, get some innings and play in the outfield. It's real slow-paced, kind of like Goldsboro, almost like two more years of high school. There are a bunch of guys down here who are doing the same thing I am, trying to get better to play at the next level and that's what I like about it.

Q: What might be your biggest challenge as you adjust from the high school game to the collegiate game?

A: I guess just trying to get bigger, faster and stronger. It's not going to be too much difference in age where every is 18 or 19 ... not like a four-year college where you play against guys who are 22 years old.

Q: After playing two summers of Senior Legion baseball, what are some of the things you have learned from Coach Sherrer?

A: A better approach at the plate, for one. He's taught me a few things mechanically when pitching ... has said to have more of a collegiate mindset when you're on the mound. You have to understand what it takes to get the batter out.

Q: What do you consider your best asset as a player? Where you do you feel you have to improve as a player?

A: I think I bring a lot of hustle to the team. I have a pretty good bat that would help a team out. I have pretty good leadership ... try to lead by example. That's what I tried to do this past season with Legion and Eastern Wayne.

Q: What were your thoughts when your older brother, Hunter, got drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays?

A: I was real excited for him. That's what he's been working on the past six years. He's been busting his tail. I called him as soon as I saw it pop up on the Blue Jays tracker. I told him 'congratulations.'

Q: What are your plans once you leave SECC?

A: My plans right now are to try to transfer to University of Mount Olive and play professionally. I probably need to gain about 40 pounds, build up my arms and legs.

More about Coy:

Barnett played in 49 games for the Warriors and finished with a .316 career batting average. He helped lead Eastern Wayne to 23 wins and two appearances in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3-A     playoffs during his two-year varsity career. He will join two Wayne County Post 11 teammates -- Kevin Williams and Jackson Hayes --

at Southeastern.