Greenbrier East senior Robert Banton will be putting on his cap and gown soon and calling it a career at Greenbrier East High School.
But first, his Greenbrier East Spartan baseball team is currently in the Region 3 championship series against St. Albans, and Banton is still holding out hope of spending some time in the state baseball tournament before crossing the stage at the fairgrounds.
Banton answered a few questions from his baseball career and his team’s chances of advancing to the states, to his plans after graduating.
WVDN: What has it meant to you to be a part of the Spartan program?
Banton: It’s meant everything I have always wanted to put on a Spartan jersey and play ever since I started baseball.
WVDN: When you do get the chance, how is it to step on that field and compete?
Banton: It is the best feeling when I cross that line on the field I want to compete and when it’s a home game I want to show that this is our field, and nobody will beat us here.
WVDN: What does your team have to do in regionals to beat St. Albans and advance to the state tournament?
Banton: In the words of Coach Mann, hit line drives and don’t suck. If we hit well and don’t pop-up and our pitchers pitch like they did in sectionals, that should be the key.
WVDN: Do you think you’re capable of advancing?
Banton: Absolutely. Our team has the chance to win it all if we play right.
WVDN: Describe your family’s role in your sports career.
Banton: My family has been a huge part of my sports life. They are the ones who push me to be the best athlete and person I can be.
WVDN: What is the one thing you will always remember from your time as a Spartan?
Banton: My teammates. They are the best and they always are there for me.
WVDN: Do you have any regrets from the last few years? (Sports-wise)
Banton: Not really. I guess my biggest one was not seeing a doctor sooner about my torn ACL.
WVDN: What you will miss the most once your career is over?
Banton: The feeling of competing and playing for the guy beside you. The emptiness of also not having to go to a game or practice every day will be a change for me.
WVDN: Do you have plans after graduation?
Banton: I do. I plan on attending New River CTC to study nursing.
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