Steve Stuart

It takes more than a serious knee injury to slow down a competitor like Jeff Sherman.

Sherman, a senior at Marcus High School, was tested in this regard last season, during his junior year. During the early stages of the basketball season, Sherman tore the ACL in his knee, virtually ending his basketball career. But instead of giving up on sports all together, Sherman decided to focus on his first true love -- baseball.

I really played basketball just to get in shape for baseball, said Sherman, who was born and raised in the Lewisville area. And when I tore my ACL, I decided I would focus on getting a scholarship in baseball. Baseball has always been my number one sport.

Because of his lack of mobility, Sherman was only able to start at designated hitter as a junior, but he filled that role nicely for the Marauders. Now, with the knee a year stronger and his skills a year more advanced, Sherman has taken over third-base duties for Marcus High School.

And his dedication to come back from the injury and overall hard work have not been overlooked by Marauders head coach Jeff Harp.

Honestly, he's one of the hardest working kids I've ever coached, Harp said. He never thinks he gets enough work to satisfy himself. He's a leader, he does a tremendous job and I will be sorry when he graduates.

Sherman says the support he has received from those around him has helped to further his athletic career. He lists his mom and dad at the top of that list.

They never pressured me and they let me do my thing, said Sherman, who has participated in baseball since he was four years old. But, they always wanted me to give 100 percent and when I did bad, they were there for me. Every time I step on the baseball field, I can hear my dad hollering, and its good to know he's there.

He said he also owes much to his high school coaches. Coach Wendel (MHS basketball coach), coach Harp and coach Draper (MHS pitching coach) have all really helped me, he said. Coach Wendel got everything he could out of me. Draper and Harp make me work harder. They tell me where I am and where I need to be. Then they help me get there.

Sherman hopes a strong season on the baseball diamond will catch the eye of college recruiters. He said going away to college and losing his high school teammates will be tough enough. He doesn't want to lose the sport he loves as well.

I took a visit to Grayson Junior College in Sherman and to New Mexico Junior College, he said. I don't care where I go, I just want to play baseball as long as I can.