Paxton Sims wasted no time bouncing from one sport to another this week. The Durant junior went 6-for-7 at the plate in Durant’s two games of the state tournament last weekend, in Fort Myers. This week, he began football practice, preparing for his senior season as a tight end/slot receiver for the Cougars. He had a successful junior year, being a part of the 10-0 football team and making the state championship for baseball.
How long have you been playing baseball?
Since I was 8.
What about football?
Since I was 3, so 13 or 14 years.
Is there one you prefer?
I used to not, but now that I’m getting older and looking into college, I would probably say baseball. I still love football just as much, but with the opportunities that have risen from both, baseball is a little more appealing.
What was this last baseball season like?
It was definitely special. It was probably the most tight-knit team I’ve ever been on. I have so many memories from this year that I’ll always remember. We wanted to win that last game, but just to get to that point for a school that has never even made it to the state semifinals before was just a great feeling and a really good experience.
What has this year been like with both sports?
It’s been really special. Not many people can say they’ve been a part of two teams that were that successful in the same year. After football, I was thinking how it could get any better than 10-0 and going to the playoffs, but baseball just topped it. Hopefully this fall, we can maybe top baseball and go to state and actually win it.
What do you credit to your success batting in the state tournament?
I was just seeing the ball really well. I don’t know if it was the stadium or what it was, but I saw the ball well and got ahead in counts.
What are some goals for you going into your senior season of football?
I just want to make it memorable. I want to win, obviously. We’ve won districts two years in a row, so winning again would be nice. My goals are more team oriented. I never go in trying to have a specific number of catches, yards or touchdowns. I’ll just do whatever the team needs me to do to win.
