SPRINGDALE — Gatlin Watson wanted to finalize his college plans before he began his senior season with Springdale High’s baseball team.
He made sure of that Tuesday afternoon by signing a national letter of intent to pitch for Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff, Mo.
“It’s kind of a big weight lifted off of my shoulders. I mean, I was worried,” Watson said. “And then coming into your senior year you’re always worried about where you want to be.
“I found a good spot for me.”
Watson said he signed with Three Rivers in the hopes of someday parlaying that into a chance to play college baseball for a four-year school. He also had an offer from Allen Community College in Iola, Kan.
Springdale coach Billy Ray Rutledge said the 6-foot, 210-pound senior is expected to be the team’s starting catcher when he’s not on the mound pitching.
“It’s out of the way. He’s made his decision,” Rutledge said. “He’s got a place to go next year, so he can just kind of relax and play ball.”