CBA's Brewer continues his baseball dream

By Aviel Smolka
Published in Sports on June 1, 2018 5:51 AM

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By AVIEL SMOLKA

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PIKEVILLE -- On a sunny Thursday afternoon in front of family and friends Charles B. Aycock senior Zack Brewer made his dream of playing college baseball come true by signing to play at Wake Technical Community College.

"I feel like I've accomplished everything so I can play at the next level," Brewer said.

Brewer went 4-0 on the mound posting a 1.27 ERA and struck out 24 batters in 29 innings. He was part of strong senior class that led C.B. Aycock to an 18-7 record and an appearance in the state 3-A playoffs.

Even though Wake Tech started playing baseball in 2008, they are a program on the rise that offered Brewer more than an opportunity to play baseball.

"I feel Wake Tech can take me farther academically and athletically than other schools," he said.

Brewer is a team first guy who does everything his coaches ask of him. Each time he gets on the mound he does what is expected, and he always gives his team a chance to win.

He credits the support Coach Allen Thomas gave him throughout his four years at C.B. Aycock that enabled him to get to this point.

"Coach has been very supportive and I've been glad to have him," Brewer said.

Thomas beamed with joy while he watched Brewer take pictures with his family.

"I'm extremely proud of Zack, we've had several kids from our program that are going to the next level," Thomas said. "I'm proud of him just for his work ethic throughout his four years here to be able to improve to the point of receiving an offer to go play at the next level that's big."

Thomas also noted the impact Brewer and the other seniors had will be difficult to replace.

"We will have to have guys step up, especially with the presence [of leadership] a lot of our guys have had, Zack included," Thomas said. "It's going to be extremely important to improve in the off season because we can't fill the void these seniors are leaving."

Brewer will always have fond memories of his time at C.B. Aycock, but one memory in particular sticks out to him.

"I don't think I'd ever forget the time Carson [Smitherman] threw his helmet going around first base and almost got ejected for winning the game," said Brewer, who plans to keep living his dream as long as he can.