‘The Navy’s Sea, Air and Land Forces – commonly known as SEALs – are expertly trained to deliver highly specialized, intensely challenging warfare capabilities that are beyond the means of standard military forces.’
‘Their missions include: direct action warfare; special reconnaissance; counterterrorism; and foreign internal defense. When there’s nowhere else to turn, Navy SEALs achieve the impossible through critical thinking, sheer willpower and absolute dedication to their training, their missions and their fellow Special Operations team members.’
That’s what Van Buren outfielder Bryson Patrick has signed up for after his graduation on May 24. He will leave on June 28.
Patrick decided he didn’t want to go to college and instead planned long ago to join the Navy with his sights set on becoming a SEAL.
“It was around the very beginning of my junior year when I decided to take that step,” Patrick said. “I’ve always liked being around the outdoors and traveling. So, I figured the military would be the best option for me.”
Patrick has also been training for his life choice.
“I’ve been running for about two years now,” Patrick said. “I’ve been running marathons and doing other additional training. I do basic calisthenics workouts like gymnastics, and run and swim when I can. I just got a pool to start training every day. I hope it’s enough when it comes down to the time.”
He’ll either go to Coronado Naval Base in San Diego, California or Pensacola, Florida for his boot camp.
“Six months of basic SEAL training and another six months of SEAL qualification training,” Patrick said. “I’m excited about it. I’m completely thrilled about it.”
Patrick has been a big part of Van Buren’s 20-6 baseball team this season, playing right field mostly but playing centerfield when Landrey Wilkerson is on the mound.
Patrick had what was probably the catch of the year three weeks ago against Springdale when he made a diving catch of a sinking line drive to center and then doubled the runner off second base. Van Buren won the game, 10-0, but the game was scoreless at the time in the second inning and prevented an early lead for Springdale.
“Nobody that we have works harder and hustles more than he does,” Van Buren head coach David Loyd said. “He’s been so steady for his career here. He keeps improving and has a lot of confidence.”
The baseball team lifts weights about three times per week, but that’s just part of the training Patrick has been doing.
“He gets up in the morning on his own and runs,” Loyd said. “We lift three mornings a week, but he’ll run before that. He’s preparing himself for what’s coming. He knows what’s coming. He’s ready for that. It really carries over to the way he plays out here. His work ethic is second to none. He’s just one of the better kids to come through this program.”
Training his body is just one way Patrick has prepared for his military career. He also doesn’t pollute his body.
“I’ve never had a soft drink in my life,” Patrick said. “I’ve only drank water or Gatorade.”
Patrick has been steady, offensively, for the Pointers with a .315 batting average. He’s driven in 25 runs this season, which is just one behind Chase Moore for the team lead.
“Our coaches have helped me a lot with getting the mental mindset right,” Patrick said. “Being able to keep going and keep pushing, and staying strong throughout the whole time.”
Deciding on a military career didn’t surprise Loyd.
“He’s really wanting to go into the military and the Navy, and we’re really proud of him for that,” Loyd said. “He’ll be a really good one, that’s for sure.”
Saturday, Patrick closed his home part of his high school baseball career successfully with Van Buren beating Bentonville to secure the third seed from the 7A-West in the Class 7A state tournament with an 8-2 win. Patrick singled in his final two at-bats. He scored two runs, including one after walking in Van Buren’s big six-run second inning that propelled the Pointers to the win.
That’s a memorable way to cap Senior Day since Patrick isn’t a real vocal guy.
“He’s the silent one on the team,” Loyd said. “He doesn’t say much.”
Patrick, though, did reflect on his final time to play at Iverson Riggs Field at the Field of Dreams co... Click here to read full article
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