Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, July 11, 1995 TAG: 9507110042
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: HAMPTON LENGTH: Medium
When the Virginia High School Coaches' Association started holding East-West all-star games, the first thing the directors figured out is that players can't be in two places at the same time.
So the first rule was that participants could play in only one all-star game.
William Byrd's Mike McGuire had a choice to make this year. McGuire was an All-Region III boys' basketball player and was All-Timesland and All-Region III in baseball.
Byrd basketball coach Paul Barnard nominated him for the West basketball team. However, McGuire wasn't on the court for Monday night's basketball game that kicked off the all-star week. He'll be suited up and ready to play for the baseball game scheduled Wednesday.
``Mike was selected as an alternate on the basketball team,'' said Barnard. ``He didn't send his information back, though, which indicated he wasn't going to play. I think he made a good choice. Like anyone, it was his call.''
Barnard and McGuire might both like basketball, but they also realize the future for this particular Terrier is in baseball. McGuire signed a partial scholarship with Radford for baseball, but received only Division III offers in basketball.
``Since I was an alternate in basketball, I didn't think I'd play much,'' said McGuire, who said Byrd baseball coach Rodney Spradlin told him he might have a chance to make the West baseball team. McGuire was chosen as an outfielder, though he was also a pitcher for the Terriers.
``I've always preferred baseball since I was little. Early on there were all-star teams and I always seem to be selected. We'd make the state tournaments and it was more fun for me than basketball,'' said McGuire.
He'll play outfield in college and has no illusions about getting on the mound.
``I guess I'm a pretty good pitcher, but they don't consider me a college pitcher because I don't have enough speed or control,'' McGuire said.
He is playing American Legion baseball this summer. At Radford, McGuire will join former teammates Chris Carr (pitcher-outfielder) and Kevin Saunders (catcher) for new Highlanders coach Lou Kent.
``I would liked to have seen Mike play basketball,'' said Barnard, ``but I was going to help him any way I could. Coach Kent did his student teaching at Byrd last fall [when he was still a Highlander assistant]. I got to know him and told him he ought to sign Mike.''
In high school, McGuire worked to balance the two sports. ``It was hard because Coach Barnard would have open gym or I'd have legion practice. It was hard to be late to either one. It eventually worked out that I could get to both and no one would be upset. I always worked hard no matter what season it was because I didn't want to let my teammates down.''
McGuire was never sure he'd get a college baseball scholarship.
``Coach Spradlin convinced me I had a chance and that schools were interested. Since baseball is my favorite sport, I went after that,'' said McGuire.
by CNB