Senior pitcher and first baseman Jerrius Vickers was selected as this year’s recipient of the O.L. Colley Scholarship and was presented with the award before the Tigers’ last home game. The O.L. Colley Scholarship was created in memory of Coach Colley who coached the Tiger baseball team from 1947-1965. Colley began the baseball program at Mount Pleasant High School as well as being head football coach. The scholarship was established in 2009 by Ernie McNally, former Tiger and professional baseball player, and has been funded by the generosity of Tiger baseball alumni over the years. Vickers received an oversized check for $2000 presented to him by Oza Colley and Betty Brock, son and daughter of O.L. Colley.

Vickers was arguably Mount Pleasant’s best overall player this season leading the team in hits and finishing second on the team in doubles and triples with a .320 batting average and .485 on base percentage. He was equally as impressive on the mound leading the team in strikeouts and posting two wins with a 2.08 earned run average. Vickers plans to attend the University of Arkansas-Monticello on a band scholarship as a percussionist and try to walk-on the baseball team. He will pursue a degree in Business with a minor in Music. “It’s an honor to be chosen to receive this scholarship, ” said Vickers. “This will help me a lot as I pursue my degree and pay for college.”

By Drew Barkley
Photo by John Whitten

Senior Jerrius Vickers receives the OL Colley Scholarship.
Pictured L-R: Betty Brock, Jerrius Vickers, Oza Colley