Calhoun City’s Jobi Cook is taking his baseball talents to the next level.
Cook will be attending East Mississippi Community College for the furthering of his academic and athletic careers. Although his senior season was shortened due to COVID-19, Cook found that he felt wanted and at home in the program in Scooba.
“The last couple of months have been really hard mentally,” Cook said, “overcoming the adversity of having my senior season cancelled with no offers or even opportunities at the time. A couple of older friends felt as if they could ‘hook me up with this team,’ but I didn’t want that. I wanted to be somewhere where I felt as if they needed me.”
Finding a place where he felt needed was a source of pride for Cook as he made his college decision.
“I didn’t want the easy way out,” Cook said. “Everything I have achieved in life and sports has been with the support from my family and my personal abilities. I didn’t want this to be any different.”
Although EMCC hasn’t seen much success on the diamond in recent years, going 1-13 in their shortened season in 2020, Cook is excited for the opportunity to help the Lions rediscover their winning ways.
“From a team standpoint, I think there is plentiful room for success,” Cook said. “Being down the last two years, I want to be a part of what’s about to happen on the come up.”
Cook has been known for his prowess behind the plate for Calhoun City, but states that he may have an opportunity to take to the mound some for East Mississippi as well.
“From a personal standpoint, after talking with [assistant] Coach [Chase] Reeves, I’m excited about the opportunity to pitch again. I trust that he will put me where I fit best and most importantly what will help the team the most, whether that is pitching or catching.”
Cook will sign with EMCC at Calhoun City’s senior recognition on Saturday.