By Sue Moore
Josh Povlock and Matt Holman, VHS seniors and best friends, have signed to play baseball with Glen Oaks Community College. Both say it’s a dream come true to continue playing a game they love after high school graduation. And playing together even longer on the same team is an extra benefit of signing with the St. Joseph County school.
Povlock plans to study nursing. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 8th grade and said he didn’t know how the disease would affect his future in academics and athletics. “The diagnosis changed my future plans considerably. I chose Glen Oaks because once I stepped on campus it was everything I was looking for: a state-of-the-art nursing program with small and personal classes. I get to play the game I love while studying to help kids diagnosed like me. I hope to show them that hard work pays off and your only limits are what you put on yourself,” he said.
“I pitch and play third base for Vicksburg high school. I do not play any other sports. I focused totally on baseball. Once I was diagnosed it became almost a full time thing learning how to balance my blood sugars and play. It is still a learning process,” Povlock said.
“I think the one thing I take away from the type of emphasis Glen Oaks has is that education is first. I have to perform in the classroom to perform on the field. I am joining them as an infielder. Being able to walk in and contribute right away is my goal, however the coach sees that,” Povlock emphasized.
Holman has dreamed of this moment. “All the hard work and time with everyone along the way has finally paid off. I just want to thank everyone for what they have done for me, especially my mom and dad,” he said.
“I chose Glen Oaks because from the first time I stepped on the campus I fell in love with the place and just felt at home. Baseball Coach Scott Chase struck me as a fair and honest guy and that’s very important to me, not only as a player but as a young man. He just took me in under his wing and I can’t wait to learn and grow under his guidance. I will come in as an impact player for the team starting as a freshman mainly being utilized at third base and shortstop,” he said.
Holman will major in business, which is another reason he has chosen Glen Oaks. He believes it has an outstanding business program, and the small class sizes and easy access to professors is a great addition to the already countless things he already enjoys about the college. “Yes I will be living on campus when they build the dorms as I feel living on campus will be helpful.”