Published: July 11, 2008 10:43 am            

Matlock signs with Howard

Colton Matlock took over as the starting catcher for the Weatherford Kangaroos in the 2008 season and had a productive year for the team, which saw the Roos make a run into the playoffs.

Matlock took full advantage of his opportunities on the diamond in 2008 and has turned that success into a scholarship opportunity with Howard College.

“I finally got some playing time this year and it really helped colleges look at me,” he said. “I think it really helped a lot.”

Matlock, joined by his family, signed a letter of intent to attend and play for Howard in the fall with a signing ceremony at The Outback on the campus of Weatherford High School Thursday afternoon.

“I went out there and visited and fell in love with it from there. That’s how it happened,” Matlock said.

The Weatherford catcher is one of two freshman catchers heading to West Texas to play for Howard and is looking forward to his opportunities to get on the field and contribute early.

“They said this year, I could be seeing some major playing time,” Matlock said. “It’s me and another freshman coming in, so doubleheaders we’ll be playing a lot. They play a lot of doubleheaders.”

Matlock said the opportunity to play right away was a key to his commitment to Howard.

“I didn’t want to go anywhere where I wasn’t going to be able to play, so that really helped a lot,” he said.

Matlock got his playing time and hit his stride all at the right time and hopes to continue that success with a smooth transition into the college game.

“I can transition right into the playing role and play a lot,” he said.

With his commitment to Howard, Matlock could afford to take this summer off as opposed to playing for a summer league team like he has in the past. That time away from the baseball field has allowed him to spend more time with his family as he prepares to move away from home.

“This summer I decided to take off because I have been playing [every summer],” he said. “Since I committed to Howard, I decided to take off to spend some time with the family and play catch.”

While he is excited to begin his college career, Matlock knows there is some pressure that comes along with the change.

“Last year, they were ranked nationally, so this year, they’re expecting to go pretty far again,” he said. “I think they only lost two players or something like that, middle infield and a catcher, but they brought in two more.”

As has been the case throughout his playing career, Matlock’s family was in attendance at his signing, another achievement in his athletic career, but he said that’s what he has come to expect.

“They supported me all through it,” Matlock said. “They really helped me a lot, but I’m going to be back to visit, so it’s all good.”

        

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