Barkdoll remains a leader at FMU even after graduation

By: Matt Lincoln | SCNOW
Published: February 02, 2010

FLORENCE -- Francis Marion was picked to finish 12th in the country despite the fact that one of their best players in history just graduated. But Jared Barkdoll is still finding ways to leave an imprint on the team.

Barkdoll has joined the team this year as a volunteer assistant coach. He graduated in 2009 as the school's leader in RBI's and total bases. He's also tied for record for most doubles, and second in most hits.

But after not getting drafted, Barkdoll decided to stay in Florence and help his former team make it to the World Series.

"It's pretty different," said the four-year starting catcher. "They respected me as a player, and now they respect me as a coach."

Barkdoll's consistency now leaves three catchers with little playing experience. But head coach Art Inabinet is excited about seeing what Jacob Wallace, Logan Bland and John Davis can do.

The rest of the team is not looking forward to having to go through a season without Barkdoll.

"It's just hard to think about replacing Jared," said sr. relief pitcher Brandon Forshee. "I was with him for one year, and it was probably my best ever since I started playing the game."

"His head was huge for us last year," says senior pitcher Jeremiah Meiners. "He knew how to approach and attack these teams we played. We're going to miss having that this year, but at least he's still here."

Barkdoll says the catchers-in-waiting are talented and the team "is not going to miss him." And while he may miss playing for the team, he know gets to do the second best thing - lead them there all along the way.