TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

East Bay athletes go from pitch to links

Staff photo by John Ceballos

Joshua Slatton, left, and Brandon Walker are both seniors on the East Bay High School golf team. Slatton has been on the team for four years, while Walker joined the squad this season.

ADVERTISEMENT

By JOHN CEBALLOS

jceballos@tampatrib.com

Published: September 23, 2009

GIBSONTON - Brandon Walker had a pretty simple reason for taking up golf during his senior year at East Bay High.

"Pretty much all my friends are on the golf team, so I thought I'd give it a try," Walker said. "It's been fun so far."

One of those friends is fellow senior Joshua Slatton, a member of the squad each of his four years at East Bay.

"My grandfather got me into golf and I've been playing for six years," Slatton said. "We have a pretty solid team this year."

Walker and Slatton are also teammates on the Indians' soccer team; Walker is a right midfielder and Slatton is a defender.

The golf team began the season with a 2-3 record. Timothy Mays, East Bay's golf coach for the past 13 years, is impressed with both players.

"I've coached Josh for four years, so I definitely know what he can do," Mays said as the team prepared for a Sept. 17 match against Wharton. "Brandon has potential and golf is just a great game for him to learn because it's something he can play for the rest of his life."

Walker and Slatton will reunite on the pitch this winter when the Indians' soccer season kicks off.

Beyond that, Walker hopes to attend the University of Florida or Rollins College and study to become an orthopedic surgeon. Slatton wants to study business at the University of Central Florida or Flagler College. Both would also like to play soccer at the collegiate level.

Until then, they'll continue to hit the links for East Bay.

"We have 10 guys on the team, and six play in every match," Slatton said. "We have a pretty solid four and I think we can win districts."

GET TO KNOW

WHO: Joshua Slatton; Brandon Walker

AGE: Both 17

SCHOOL: East Bay High School

GRADE: Both 12th grade

SPORTS: Both golf and soccer

FUTURE PLANS: Slatton wants to study business at the University of Central Florida or Flagler College. Walker wants to attend the University of Florida or Rollins College and study to become an orthopedic surgeon.

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 627-4762.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT