Zion’s Rutter among 10 scholarship recipients

By Maurice Patton

Zion Christian Academy graduate Briggs Rutter is one of 10 recipients of scholarships presented by the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association.

The Eagles’ two-sport standout, who has signed a baseball scholarship with Middle Tennessee State University, and nine other players statewide were selected on the basis of scholastic ability and community service.

“The scholarships are open to any senior that wants to apply,” TBCA executive director Pat Swallows said. “We have a committee that evaluates the applications and selects the winners.”

Other area recipients include Loretto’s Gunner Dickson, Centennial’s Alex Beaman and Coffee County’s Hayden Skipper.

“Coach Mac (Jon McDonald) presented me with the idea,” Rutter said of applying. “It’s great to get a little money to contribute toward college and take a little stress off my family. It’s a blessing for us, so I think Coach Mac for helping me do that.

“It’s a blessing to be recognized and to receive that scholarship.”

Swallows said the TBCA’s fundraising efforts in recent years have allowed the organization to present nearly $12,000 in scholarships yearly across the state.

“We’ve been so successful the last few years. Our directors felt if we’re being successful, we should reward the kids, so we decided to present two scholarships in each region (of eight).”

The full list of recipients is as follows:

Region 1 – Ben Willcoxon, Sevier Co., $1,000; Clay Murrell, Sevier Co., $500; Region 2 – Tyler Boyd, Alcoa, $1,000; Region 3 – Cade Smith, Loudon, $1,000; Region 4 – Hayden Skipper, Coffee Co., $1,000; Briggs Rutter, Zion Chr., $500; Region 6 – Gunner Dickson, Loretto, $1,000; Alex Beaman, Centennial, $500; Region 7 – Matthew Cagle, Dyer Co., $1,000; Spencer Franckowiak, Dyersburg, $500

Maurice Patton is the editor for Southern Middle Tennessee Sports. He can be reached by e-mail at mopattonsports@gmail.com or on Twitter at @mopatton_sports.

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