Playing sports has been a major part of Nick Stone’s life. The Noxapater senior saw some of that taken away from him this football season as he battled a chronic foot issue that was eventually diagnosed as a type of arthritis.
While being admittedly disappointed in missing his senior year on the football field, Stone began to focus on baseball.
“They figured out what it was and gave me medicine and it started to get better,” Stone said. With improved health, the senior was excited about the potential the baseball season held. Then the Coronavirus pandemic came upon the scene just a few games into the season, not only bringing his sports career to a screeching halt, but his senior year at Noxapater as well.
“I was really disappointed,” Stone said. “I was looking forward to it and was very excited to play. It kind of hit me hard.”
He said he has been working out some around the house, trying to stay in shape in hopes of the season, and school year, being restarted.
While Stone was excited to get a chance to play his senior baseball season, Noxapater baseball coach Zach Kemp was pleased as well.
“After (his injury) started progressing during football season I was starting to get worried,” Kemp said. “But he seems much better now. I’m always asking him how it’s feeling.”
While Stone mostly plays third and pitches for the Tigers, Kemp said the he was always willing to do what was needed to help the team.
“Last year we were going into a district game and it was the same day as powerlifting (state meet) and our centerfielder was going to be out,” Kemp said. “I was trying to figure out what to do and he said ‘Well coach, I don’t really know if I’m any good at it but I will give it a try.’ He went out there with one day of practice and made every play that was hit to him.”
Stone said his athletic career is likely over and is looking at taking welding classes at East Mississippi Community College next year.
“He has always kind of enjoyed that,” Kemp said. “That is one of the things we talk about, what are going to do with your life. I believe he will do well.
“He’s one of the good ones for sure.”
