Medina Senior Winters signs with the Cardinals!

MEDINA, Ohio – The long awaited decision from Medina star senior Collin Winters has finally come down, and the Saginaw Valley State University Cardinals are the big winners!

Winters is coming off of a great senior year with the Medina Bee’s and is looking to help lead them to a GCC tournament and possibly State Title.

Winters has this to say about his decision,” I chose Saginaw because I really liked the school and coaching staff, both of those factors really factored into my decision.”

Collin goes on to explain the attributes he feels makes up a good player, “Never give up no matter what and always be positive. I want to thank my parents, my grandparents, my girl friend, coaches and teammates.”

Collin is not just on the ball in the park, but also in the classroom as he has his eyes on the prize of life success as well and will attend college to pursue a degree in finance.

There is plenty of thanks to go around but Collin wanted to make sure he thanked his coaches one more time, especially his mentor Dave Borgia, “He really helped me develop as a player”,, said Winters of Borgia. “He played a big role and was always there for me.”

Earlier today I had the pleasure of speaking with Dave Borgia, a man who has mentored Collin in the game for a long time, and has seen him mature into the outstanding young man he has become today.
Dave had these words to share about his experience mentoring Collin, “I first noticed him at 11 while coaching his older brother Tanner. I noticed his natural ability and knew he had a chance to do something special.
I always challenge him to play at the best level possible. I’m proud of Collin because he always shows responsibility. I’m elated for him because he deserves this! He has worked so hard.
It’s hard to pull things out of him because he is so reserved, very humble. Collin is more talented then Collin realizes he is at times.”

It is no secret that Collin was born with the love of baseball in his blood as he started playing at the age of 3. He played Wee Tee with the YMCA in Medina. He then moved to Medina Recreation Coaches Pitch, then Lorain County Hot Stove, Medina Sting and Premier Athletics along with his spot on the Medina High School Varsity Roster covering both second base and short stop.

Like most kids, Collin grew up looking up to his older brother Tanner, who also played ball for the Bee’s and had these comments about his little brother, “ I’m proud of him, he worked hard and deserved his success, I’m sure he is going to do great. “

His father Scott shares in his sons enthusiasm, “I enjoyed when he was probably 5-7 years old and all the kids would run after a hit ball no matter where it was hit to. Collin would usually come up with the ball. I’m extremely proud of him, and sad that he has grown up so fast.”

His mother Anne, never short on encouragement and spirit had these words to say about her son, “I think my most favorite memories were in our back yard. I’d look outside and see Collin playing with his brother Tanner and kids 3-4 years older than him and holding his own. When they would pick teams, Collin would be one of the first to be chosen even though he was younger. I have always just loved watching him play. Another favorite memory is when he was 12 and at Cooperstown. It was the first game and he came up to me when they were warming up and said, “Mom, I feel like a Pro.” He had an incredible smile on his face. You could see his joy in competing. I am incredibly proud of him. I am excited for him to take this next step in his journey of life. I know he will be great. “

Anne continues to discuss the importance of good coaching and role models in her sons life, and how they have helped him reach this point, “It has always been my prayer, that God would put great people in his life to teach, lead and model. Collin has been lucky to have had many great Dad coaches and professional coaches in his life. We’d like to thank ALL of his Coaches. “

Steve Newman – Medina Rec Coaches Pitch
Dave Gilleland –Blaze Hot Stove
Joe Stayer – Medina Sting
Scott Provost – Medina Sting/Premier Athletics
Bart Kayser – Medina Sting/Premier Athletics
Dave Borgia – Premier Athletics
Mark Homan – Premier Athletics
Mike Faschian – Medina Sting
Ivanon Coffie – Premier Athletics
Dan Williams – Premier Athletics
Jeff Ray – Premier Athletics
Scott Sorrell – High School
Nick Kaplack – High School

One man mentioned on that list is Collins Premier Athletics coach Dan Williams who had this to share about Collin, “He is one of the hardest workers that we have ever had in premier. I just can’t say enough good things about the kid, and I’m happy that he is extending his baseball career in college.”

While the parents of players never stop showing the nerves, the number one Diamond Doll Brittany and girlfriend of Collin admits she never gets nervous when her main squeeze is on the field, but she does admit to getting excited for him and his teammates when they do well. She will also admit to not watching any baseball until meeting Collin. She is one smart cookie as well, attending Akron nursing school currently. Which is good, as Collin plays hard and you never know when that next scraped knee is coming.

As a reporter, I don’t often get the chance to meet the people in the story, it is typically on to the next game, next town, next story two minutes after the current one is done. I have been blessed to follow the Medina team this year and have grown to have great respect for many of them.
I’m proud of not only Collin, but all the Bee’s set to take the next step in their journeys. It shows what can be become of solid leadership, encouragement, heart, hustle and family togetherness!

Until next time, you can follow Vince McKee on twitter at VinceTheAuthor