Over the next several weeks, we will be highlighting senior student-athletes from all spring sports whose seasons – and in many cases careers – were cut short due to cancellation of competition across all sports in response to concerns relating to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Up first is
Paul Rouse, a senior outfielder from Bentonville on the Bears baseball squad. Rouse gained attention earlier in March for this tweet, which led to his being featured on
THV11 in Little Rock.
What is your major?
Biology
What are your future plans/career goals?
Go to med school and become an orthopedic surgeon
What were your thoughts when you found out the season was being canceled?
Confused and nostalgic
What led you to choose UCA?
The school interested me and when I came on my visit I knew the coaches cared about us as people, not just athletes so I knew it was somewhere i needed to be.
What has been your favorite thing about your time at UCA?
The great relationships I have made with my teammates. I have found some of my friends for life, and I have grown in my relationship with Christ
What is one of your best memories from your career?
Beating Southeastern Louisiana in the semifinals in extra innings last year to go to the conference tournament championship
What is one of the most embarrassing moments from your career?
I pinch ran one time when I was a sophomore in high school and I went to steal third and I tripped and fell so I basically rolled and when I looked up the third baseman had the ball and just tapped me for the third out.
Who is someone who has had a major impact on you – be it in your athletic career or personally?
My dad has played a huge role in my athletic career and my personal life by setting a good example of how to be a hard working man of Christ.
What is your favorite activity or best talent outside of your sport?
I really like to duck hunt with my buddies or golf.
If you had to be quarantined with three celebrities, who would they be?
The Rock, Joe Rogan, Mike Stud
If you were going to be isolated in your house for a month, what are the first three items you'd make sure to grab at the store?
Batteries, Gatorade, Chicken nuggets
One musical artist you'd recommend to everybody?
Jon Pardi
What's a show you're currently watching, or have recently?
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
If you could give your 10 year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?
That mom and dad aren't as dumb as you think and you should listen a little more.
