Published: August 27, 2008 09:41 am         

Mineral Wells’ Radford, Pawley sign letters of intent

By Craig Holamon
sports@mineralwellsindex.com

When great things happen to good kids, it’s always a good thing.

Good fortune fell upon two Mineral Wells Rams baseball players early this month.

Rams pitcher Ronnie Pawley received a scholarship from Tarleton State University while catcher Colby Radford signed with a letter of intent to play for nationally-ranked New Mexico Junior College.

Radford’s scholarship to the junior college in Hobbs, N.M., covers the cost of tuition, books and other fees, according to Mineral Wells High School head baseball coach Bret Barrick.

“NMJC has been nationally ranked in baseball since 2000 and won conference championships in 2005, 2006 and 2007,” Barrick said. “They were JUCO national champions in 2005 and were runners-up in 2007. This is a big honor for Colby.”

Radford was a two-season starter at catcher for the Rams and was also used as a spot starter and a relief pitcher.

Radford, 5-11, 209, was also a three-season starter at linebacker for the Rams football team.

The undersized linebacker from Mineral Wells averaged over 10 stops per game as a senior and led the team in tackles.

He was a steady catcher for the Rams baseball team who improved at the plate and on the field in every outing.

Radford’s parents are Kalvin and Tammy Radford.

Pawley is a stylish southpaw who relies on location and change of speed. The lefty came into his own as a pitcher during his junior season and earned a spot in the team’s starting rotation as a senior. Pawley and Radford are also outstanding performers in the classroom who each maintained A averages.

Each of the players have almost limitless upsides and each of them have a chance to contribute at the college level.