News Headlines

Rider Josh Burns signs to play baseball for University of Texas at Tyler

For the third time this pre-season, a Center Roughrider Baseball stand-out has signed a letter of intent to head to the next level of competition and further their education.
 
During a ceremony with family, friends, administration and teammates on hand at Center High School Friday morning, Rider infielder Josh Burns inked with the Unversity of Texas at Tyler and will enter the Patriot Baseball program after graduation.
 
"Super exciting and super blessed to have the opportunity", Burns said. He added the UT-Tyler program is "top of the line and the school and academics are great." Burns says he has plans to be a Marketing major and the business program is really good.
 
The UT-Tyler Baseball program is relatively young, started in 2004. The Patriots are three-time American Southwest Conference champions.
 
Conference opponents include Mary Hardin-Baylor, Sul Ross, East Texas Baptist, Louisiana College, LeTourneau, Hardin-Simmons, College of the Ozarks, Howard Payne, UT-Dallas, and Concordia.
 
Rider Head Baseball Coach David Shepherd said it was very proud for Josh and added he's been one of the team leaders the three years he's been in Center. "I'm proud to see him have a day like this and get to celebrate what he's accomplished."
 
Josh had the opportunity to be a starter for the Riders as a freshman, and has been rewarded for his hard work with all-district and other regional honors. 
 
Josh's parents are John Michael and Holly Shofner Burns, and they were gleeming with pride at Friday's signing. The elder Burns said his son has had a journey to get to this point in his career.
 
 "He (Josh) has worked hard to get here. He had the opportunity to jump right in early in high school and it's paying off today."
 
Burns said the UT-Tyler program will be losing several to graduation this year, and Josh has a good chance, even though he will be an underclassman, to compete for a chance to be a starter next season.
 
Two other Rider teammates have already signed to play at the next level. Pitchers Dalton Horton (TCU) and Jacob Mitchell (LSU-S).
 
Josh Burns, (seated, center) is flanked by his coaches and Rider teammates during the signing with University of Texas at Tyler held at Center High School Friday morning.
 

Roughriders Sports

Family Features

Loading Family Features Content Widget
Loading Family Features Article