CJ Parrish is a Viking after signing with Missouri Valley College
First Baseman CJ Parrish future will be at Missouri Valley. (photo by Karen Holmes)
CJ Parrish had his day, after signing a letter of intent to play Baseball, next season for Missouri Valley College.
Missouri Valley Vikings is a private, liberal arts college connected with the Presbyterian Church that is located in Marshall, Missouri.
Parrish was a diligent worker through his 4 years on the diamond and was one of the 4 Seniors that helped lead this year’s crew to their first post-season berth since the 2011 campaign.
Parrish played First Base for the Hawks this year which will be one of the positions when he puts on his Viking uniform. One item that will certainly change for Parrish will be the number of games scheduled for Baseball teams during their college years.
“Yeah that will be different,” Parrish said when asked bout the difference in those battles. “It will be a lot harder when you are playing 30 plus games but it will be something to work for.”
MV is not a lightweight club and have had success in their conference, “They are usually ranked in the NAIA but are struggling this year, CJ commented.”
CJ did not wait to be seen by the Baseball Coaches as there would be an opportunity for a visit by Parrish when he made a trek to Missouri to see his Sister, Alyxus.
CL Hawks soar with CJ Parrish signing for MVC!
“My Sister got a cheer scholarship and her Cheer Coach took all the credit for getting me noticed,” CJ Parrish recalled. “I emailed one of the Coaches and I asked them to consider me.”
CJ Parrish has already shown, The ReSporter, that he will go far in this world when he graduates…having confidence in yourself to this degree and taking an opportunity to sell yourself, is admirable.
Parrish will have a chance as a first-baseman and catcher, which are the same two positions he had while playing for The Lake.
On playing 4 years for Canyon Lake, Parrish said, “(Trent) Dunavant was a great Coach and I have a lot of respect for what he did for me and we needed a change of attitude and Coach Escamilla has helped this team with that part of our game.”
“This year, it was the last chance to make the playoffs,” CJ said proudly. “We could not give up and we (the Seniors) needed to be the leaders to make something of it, and now we won our last game at home and finished our playing in the playoffs.”
Canyon Lake certainly made great strides in their play this season and CJ was part of that transformation.
Flying High Go CJ!
The Hawk Nation is aware of CJ’s year on the gridiron playing in the trenches and when asked if he might play football, Parrish did not hesitate, “I’m thinking about being a walk-on because there is always room to improve.”
Parrish was mentioning a chance to stay in shape for the sport that his scholarship represents and being his best on the Baseball Diamond. “But if I can make the team then my Sister will have a chance to Cheer for me!!”
His Dad, (Charles Parrish) was equally excited, “I think this is fantastic….he (CJ) has worked hard and as soon as he gets involved then he will excel with it….something we (Landy) instill is that ‘if you start it then you finish’,”
Dad was not finished, “He accomplished more than we could imagine and to be a role model and to have the maturity to handle himself, he always played above his age.”
CJ’s age should have him classified as a Junior this year, hence Dad’s comment. Canyon Lake would love to see this young man back on the playing field next year, but that honor will now go to Missouri Valley.
Hawk Proud
Congrats for the time you spent at Canyon Lake and we will follow your development for that next stage of your life, from what you have accomplished up to this time of your life, high expectations for more to come will be to the Vikings liking.
Go Hawks & Vikings!!
