By Thomas Sellers Jr.
The latest Brighton Cardinal golfer heading to the college level is Logan Watkins. Joined by his parents Shelia and Mike in the Brighton High School Library last month, Watkins inked his national letter of intent to play golf at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Ark.
With success on the varsity level and playing at U.S. Juniors, Watkins still felt humbled a NCAA Division II college wanted him on its roster.
“I’ve played with the best of the best at juniors,” Watkins said. “Just knowing someone wanted me to play for them and wanted me on the team to help them out makes me feel good.”
Watkins will play for Head Coach Luke Calcatera. Calcatera has been a part of the Arkansas Tech men’s golf program since he arrived as a freshman in 2003. As a player and a coach, Calcatera’s experience within the program has proven to be successful on and off the course.
In 2003, Calcatera chose to play at Tech under the former coach Dave Falconer. While at Tech, he was a part of Tech’s 2004 Gulf South Conference Championship team and also a member of its NCAA Division II South Regional Tournament team in 2004.
Watkins joins an Arkansas Tech team that will play on courses in Alabama, Oklahoma, Florida and even Las Vegas.
With new links to play in his future, the proven champion has a goal of winning a national title for Tech.Watkins has been a winner and leader for the Cardinals the past four years. He’s reached State three times and won District 13-3A and Region 7-3A individual championships.
“I’m very proud to keep the tradition going and making sure I make everybody else happy,” Watkins said. “Hopefully (my signing) will help some better players come here and the ones already here, drive them to do better.”