UPDATEEEE (Part 1)

A LOT has happened since my last post (I do apologize for the long wait)....so I'm going to make this into two posts.
Jeremiah 21:11 - "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
SO much good has happened to me in the past couple of months...

First off, as you all may know I was NOT happy at the University of South Alabama.  I felt bored with the daily routine, hated football, and didn't have a good college experience there.  But what hardly any of you know, was that my grades were so bad (2.55 GPA), that I had lost all financial aid priveledges.  Being caught up in what seems like an endless recession, this was not good news for me and my family.  Meaning whether I wanted to or not it was time to transfer.

The next idea was to apply to some cheap school for a semester (we were thinking Jeff State), so I could boost my grades and earn back my financial aid before heading to Mississippi State or Auburn...... Somewhere along the way though, I got the crazy idea that I wanted to play college golf...... As fate would have it, this was a blessing in disguise.

For a month I called a myriad of schools hoping they could magically have just ONE spot available on their team, so I could walk-on.  One by one they all turned me down. I was beginning to lose faith when I had two schools left: Central Alabama Community College and Wallace State Community College.  Called CACC and met Coach Jennings, who was a nice man, but unfortunately had no spots left.  Before I hung the phone up he had told me that he didn't think Wallace State had any spots left open either.. Honestly, I didn't  care what he said.  I figured, "What the hell, I'll give them a call anyway."  I call and there is no response, so I left a message..

Two weeks later, a Coach Dan York calls me back saying he DOES have one spot available.  We get to talking, and he somehow gives me a chance to come try out.  That Monday, I drove the 45 minute journey to Cullman Municipal Golf Course for my try out.  I WAS SO NERVOUS.  On the first tee he tells me he's not interested in my score but just wants to see if my swing's workable, and if I have a good personality.  Of course the whole day i try my best to not get angry and to almost advertise myself the best I can.  It paid off.  I shot a 36 (1 under par), and earned a walk-on spot!

Three days later I get arguably one of the best calls in my life.  That Thursday night, I hear my Creed ringtone singing in the other room, I pick it up, and it reads, "Calling: Coach York."  I am both nervous and confused because I have no clue why he is calling..... I gather up my voice and answer.

"Garrett."
"Hey Coach, how ya doing?"
"Just fine Garrett, how 'bout yourself?"
"Good."
"Good.  Well I got some news for you..." (this is when my heart dropped expecting some bad news)
"Yessir?"
"I believe I have found you a scholarship.  So when you can, we need to get you up here to sign, and we need to give you a campus tour." (this is when I threw the biggest fist pump of my life)
"............"
"Garrett, you there?"
"Ha, sorry....yes, I'm.....yeah, I'm here!  Thank you so much Coach York!"
"No problem Garrett, you deserve it.  I will call you tomorrow with all the details.  Talk to you then."
"See you later, Coach!"
(hang up)

That was the call that has changed my life.  I proceeded to call Pam and Ray and the fam and we all flipped out haha.  I love being at this school, and I love having the opportunity to wake up and do something I love every day.  After my broken leg in high school (the low incident that I believe led me to where I am today), I can honestly say with complete confidence that EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON. 

Never let something get you down because the next day everything could change.



-GP