Originally published in The Western Carolina Journalist.
Pitchers Zebby Matthews and Jacob Corn have been elected as team captains for the 2022 baseball season.
Matthews, a junior right-handed starting pitcher, and Jackson County native, started in ten games last year, before an elbow injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. In his ten games, Matthews posted a 6-2 record as well as a 3.52 ERA and a three-time SOCON Pitcher of the Week selection. This is Matthews second consecutive season being elected as team captain.
Corn, a redshirt senior pitcher, from Landrum, SC, made 16 appearances last year. Mainly a relief pitcher, Corn pitched just over 28 innings, earning himself a 2-1 record in 2021.
“Their daily work ethic and competitiveness are at an elite standard that has been highly respected within our program for several years now,” said Head Baseball Coach, Bobby Moranda, in an article for Catamount Sports.
“I feel that their leadership together will be a major factor towards helping us make a SoCon baseball championship run.”
Both captains found their way to Cullowhee, following stints at their respective junior colleges.
Matthews spent one season at Walters State Community College, where he pitched and impressive 8-2 season with a sub-three ERA in 19 appearances.
Corn, a product of Spartanburg Methodist College, spent two years on their baseball team where he made 16 appearances, earned himself a 5-1 record as well as posted a 3.89 ERA.
Will Prater, senior infielder, quotes Matthews and Corn’s approach to leadership.
“The quality that helped get them elected as captains, was their fearlessness to lead,” said Prater in an interview. “They aren’t afraid to be a leader and that is a big thing for this program.”
Catamounts open their baseball schedule on Friday, Feb. 18, in Cullowhee against the Niagara Purple Eagles at 1 p.m.
