Last Friday afternoon, a small group of people gathered at the Newton High School baseball field. They congregated to celebrate Wil Standard signing his scholarship to continue his baseball career at Young Harris College. 

After four years as a Ram, spending ample time at first base and on the mound, Standard is off to be a Mountain Lion starting in the fall. Standard said that it only took one visit to Young Harris to make his decision.

“It truly felt like home,” Standard said. “All of the people are so responsive and actually build a relationship with you. I’ve always preferred the smaller school, too, because it’s easier to stay connected and it’s a different feeling. It’s a true family feel up there.”  

Before the official signing took place, Standard’s dad, Scott, spoke about what the occasion meant to him and his family. Then, David Scharff (last season’s interim head coach) delivered remarks about how Standard was always a team player and played the game the right way. 

All in all, July 30 was a special day for the now-former Ram. Despite the horrific heat and scorching sun, people close to him were able to give Standard a celebratory send-off. 

When he arrives to Young Harris a few weeks from now, Standard plans to major in communications to which he aims to become a sports media professional.  

But he didn’t overlook the significance of his scholarship signing. Standard recognized that, with a huge smile on his face, during his closing remarks and once the ceremony concluded. 

“To be able to celebrate this means a lot,” Standard said after his former teammates doused him with water. “Especially in this last year, we’ve had so many uncertainties. We didn’t know that it would even be possible to get to this moment.”