Gaston College newcomer familiar with program since it began

When Calvert Clark was emerging as a top prospect at private school baseball powerhouse Charlotte Christian, Gaston College's baseball program was in its infancy.

So when Clark first picked Clemson as his college choice before switching to the Charlotte 49ers after a head coaching switch at Clemson, it would seem reasonable to assume that Clark and Gaston College would never cross paths.

Instead, Gaston College's diligence in recruiting, success on the field and a former high school teammate have the potential two-way standout preparing for his sophomore season with the Rhinos.

"I was originally committed to Clemson and decommitted after the whole coaching situation changed there," said Clark, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound pitcher and outfielder. "And (Gaston College assistant) coach (Jacob) Rand called me to see if I would be interested and I was like, 'No, I'm going somewhere else.'
"But after I went to Charlotte, I decided I needed another place to go and I put my faith and trust in them here at Gaston. And everything so far has worked out perfect."

Clark becomes the second player from the Charlotte Christian program to play for the Rhinos. He also comes in with a strong endorsement from that player.

"Hayden Brandon played here last year and he was a Charlotte Christian guy as well," Clark said. "And I also knew Trey Truitt (from East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte). They both loved it here. So I was like, 'I'll give it a shot.'"

Clark brings in a strong pedigree from a program that is currently mourning the loss of all-time N.C. Independent School Athletic Association coaching winner Greg Simmons, who died of lung cancer in January.

Simmons led the Knights for 31 seasons, won 733 games, 22 conference titles and 16 state championships while helping 95 players eventually play collegiately that includes 10 who were drafted by major league teams.

"I knew all about coach Simmons when I came to Christian my freshman year," Clark said. "I had a great time there. We won three straight championships. It was great being around him every single day at practice and he had some of the major league guys come back like Jackson Kowar and the Bard brothers (Luke and Daniel) to work with us. It was great being around them."

At Charlotte last spring when the 49ers won the Conference USA title and advanced to the NCAA tournament, Clark hit .143 in 20 games as a reserve outfielder and did not pitch.

At Gaston College, he's hoping to compete for a starting outfield position in addition to being a part of the Rhinos' pitching staff as a starter or a reliever.

"Whatever (Gaston College head) coach (Shohn) Doty wants me to do to help the team win ballgames is what I want to do," Clark said of joining a program that went 50-13 last season with an appearance in the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series in Grand Junction, Col. "And we've got a really good team. The goal is to go back to Colorado with the ultimate goal of winning it."