Matt Dezort Jon Harris
Hazelwood Central High School seniors Matt Dezort and Jon Harris signed letters of intent to play baseball as scholarship athletes at Missouri State University.
Dezort, who plays centerfield, and Harris, who is a pitcher, have been starters since ninth grade.
Van Vanatta, physical education/health teacher and head baseball and football coach, said the boys have been “an integral part of the baseball team” and “helped the program win a conference championship and two district championships.”
“In the hallways and in the classroom, both have been model students representing Hazelwood Central in grand fashion,” said Vanatta.
“Both are outstanding students,” said John Pukala, activities director. “Getting a full scholarship before you have played your senior season of baseball is significant in that it takes all the pressure off of them and allows them to enjoy their senior year.”
“The scholarships are significant because they have both worked hard in the classroom and on the field to earn the scholarships,” said Vanatta. “They both want a quality education while pursuing their dreams of making it to the next level in baseball.”
After the spring baseball season and graduation, Dezort and Harris “will be missed for their leadership and abilities to help the Hawks be successful on the diamond,” said Vanatta.