For Great Bend native Jace Bowman, playing baseball for Barton Community College is not where his career will end.
The Cougars second baseman has signed to play ball for the University of Central Oklahoma.
Bowman said he’s excited to be able to keep playing the game.
“I’m definitely excited,” Bowman said. “Ever since I was young, I’ve wanted to play in college. For me it was baseball and basketball. Once I decided to commit to baseball, that was it.
“This is what I’ve wanted, and I am grateful of the opportunity that Central Oklahoma is giving me.”
Bowman, a Great Bend High School product, has entered his sophomore season at Barton.
“This has really helped me focus on our team’s goals this spring,” Bowman said. “I don’t have to worry about performing (as an individual). I can focus on the team, and helping them win.”
He started 36 games in the 2012-13 season.
Bowman had a batting average of .278, with 35 hits. He had six RBIs, six doubles and one triple.
He also had five stolen bases.
Bowman said he is always working to improve.
“I definitely need to work on my hitting,” Bowman said. “I’m always working on my fielding, my footwork. At the plate, I’m always working on my swing and my bat speed.”
Now Bowman plans to play for Central Oklahoma and head coach Dax Leone, who led his team to a 30-19 record last season.
“I visited there about a week before I signed with them,” Bowman said. “I like the coaches. They have a lot of experience. I felt like they’re really player coaches. They’ve been there, and they know what they’re doing.”