Rhea County High School Senior Heads to Covenant

11/26/20

Evensville, TN --  Earlier this month, Hougston Schaefer made his selection of a Covenant College official with signing ceremony held at Rhea County High School football field.  Hougston still has a season of senior baseball to play as he and many other spring sport players hope that COVID-19 does not wipe away this season as it did last year.  Hougston and his teammates were off to great start at 5-1 when COVID-19 ended their season.  Good news is that other sports have gone on and basketball just begun.  So prospects are good.  Hougston was solid in his selection of Covenant as it offered his a chance for solid christian education and opportunity to continue playing a sport he has played since age 4.  His family, friends, teammates and coaches were on hand for the signing ceremony.  Hougston is son of Bob and Angie Schaefer.  Earlier this week Hougston answered a few question about his journey to his senior season.

When did you begin playing baseball and what other sports have you played?

"I started playing little league when I was 4 just fell in love with the game and wanted to play it. I've played every position on the field except for catcher.   I played football until I started middle school. I slso layed basketball through freshman year of high school but decided I wanted to focus on baseball because playing baseball is the sport I am best at."

Talk about your college education and career after college?

"My major at covenant will be accounting and pre law. After college i would like to use my accounting and law degree to give back to people less fortunate."

How have you enjoyed playing for coach Ray?

"I love coach Ray as a coach and a friend. He gives players the opportunity to better themselves on and off the field. Coach Ray is a positive role model wanting everyone to succeed."

What aspect of your game do you need to improve the most?

"I've never really been a good hitter so that's definitely something I have to work on and get better at. Pitching wise I've got the movement and the control. I just need to work on my velocity and bring it up."

Do you have a walk-up song selected for this year?

"I haven't chose a walk up song yet for this year. Last year mine was Hall of Fame by The Script."

Is there a favorite moment or moments during your baseball journey you could share?

"My favorite moment was in middle school when we went to the state tournament in oak ridge. Got to the championship game and we were there until about 1am. I'll always remember we were in the later innings and we were in the field. There were 2 outs but we thought there was 3 so we started running in the dugout and there was a guy on first base and the coach was screaming "run run and the guy was rounding second and Dawson Lytle had the ball in his hand. I was walking by third base while everyone else was in the dugout already and Dawson just chucked the baseball at me and I caught it and tagged the guy out."

Do you have any advice to young baseball players as they begin their journey to graduation?

"My advice to the younger players is to just stick with it. If you love baseball and you wanna play at the next level get on a good travel team. My travel team helped me out so much by talking to colleges about me. Coach Ray also helps out quite a bit. Don't get discouraged if you don't play right away. Your opportunity will come and just make the most of it. Just keep your head up and never give up."

What are the things you do outside of school and baseball?

"Church is a big interest for me. I love talking about Jesus with others. I love helping out in the community . I enjoy playing video games too."

How have your teachers in high school help and motivated you?

"I have loved every teacher I have had during high school. Each and every one one of them have pushed me academically."

What characteristic do you think make you a good baseball player?

"I'm very coachable and teachable and very eager to learn things about the game."

Talk about the influence and encouragement your parents have contributed to the journey.

"My parents have always pushed me to get good grades in the classroom and as an athlete they have pushed me to be the best I can. They made sure I had every opportunity to pursue my dreams and reach my goals."