Sharp Shooter, Smooth Transition
Jancy Nightingale
Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: Sports
Sophomore Brent Eaton got his start in basketball in the sixth grade in his hometown of Middlebury, Ind. He played on an AAU team with fellow Charger and red-shirt freshman, Ryan Choiniere, who said they always talked about playing on the same college team.
Throughout his high school career, Eaton increased his stats and statewide recognition, which led to college scouts checking out his game. Junior year, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, a Division I school, made an offer.
Eaton jumped on it.
"It seemed like a good opportunity to get my college decision out of the way," he said.
Eaton said he did not want to worry about choosing colleges his senior year, and since the option presented itself, he took it without considering all the variables, especially academics.
One year later, Eaton started having second thoughts about Green Bay.
"School was not challenging, and basketball seemed too much like a job," he said.
"It was not the right fit on and off the court."
The Green Bay staff contacted Hillsdale's coaching staff, letting them know Eaton was considering transferring.
Eaton already knew of Hillsdale College since his brother Ryan Eaton, '06, played Charger football, and his parents support the college.
The coaches helped with the transition through their honesty, Eaton said and they assured him Hillsdale had what he needed.
"That's the biggest thing. They care about the individual as well as basketball," he said.
Head coach John Tharp as well as assistant coaches Dan Evans and Brian "Pistol Pete" McCauley said they really emphasize the family aspect within the program.
"The experience of your kids is the most important thing," Tharp said. "We don't want this to be a job or business. We want them to know we treat them as people."
Though the support of the coaches helped Eaton decide on Hillsdale, Eaton acknowledged the friendship he has with Choiniere as a major factor.
Throughout his high school career, Eaton increased his stats and statewide recognition, which led to college scouts checking out his game. Junior year, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, a Division I school, made an offer.
Eaton jumped on it.
"It seemed like a good opportunity to get my college decision out of the way," he said.
Eaton said he did not want to worry about choosing colleges his senior year, and since the option presented itself, he took it without considering all the variables, especially academics.
One year later, Eaton started having second thoughts about Green Bay.
"School was not challenging, and basketball seemed too much like a job," he said.
"It was not the right fit on and off the court."
The Green Bay staff contacted Hillsdale's coaching staff, letting them know Eaton was considering transferring.
Eaton already knew of Hillsdale College since his brother Ryan Eaton, '06, played Charger football, and his parents support the college.
The coaches helped with the transition through their honesty, Eaton said and they assured him Hillsdale had what he needed.
"That's the biggest thing. They care about the individual as well as basketball," he said.
Head coach John Tharp as well as assistant coaches Dan Evans and Brian "Pistol Pete" McCauley said they really emphasize the family aspect within the program.
"The experience of your kids is the most important thing," Tharp said. "We don't want this to be a job or business. We want them to know we treat them as people."
Though the support of the coaches helped Eaton decide on Hillsdale, Eaton acknowledged the friendship he has with Choiniere as a major factor.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Joy Pavelski
posted 2/11/10 @ 11:15 AM EST
This is a solid, interesting story with broader appeal than just to sports readers. Also, that's a sleek headline. It lacks a verb, but the nouns are verbish so it works. (Continued…)
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