Barrios Honored As Lightning Fall To Sharks

In a world where travel baseball has become the focus for many high school baseball players, Friday night served as a reminder of why the high school game is unparalleled when it comes to the history and tradition of these young student athletes.

University School Manager Dan Rovetto and longtime Athletic Director Paul Herfurth have been at the forefront of class and respect for the high school game for decades, and on Friday night, the pair showed once again why they stand above the crowd in honoring the high school game.

While the Sharks stayed undefeated, by defeating the Lightning 13-3, the night was about much more than the final score.

Rovetto’s University School Sharks hosted Dr. Krop Friday, and before the game, Rovetto honored the longtime service of Lightning Manager Paul Barrios, with an on-field presentation.

Barrios is fresh off being inducted in the HSBN South Florida Hall of Fame this past Fall, and Friday represented another opportunity to recognize what he has done for the high school game.

“It has always truly been an honor to share the field with Paul Barrios,” said Rovetto. “He has been a great mentor and role model to so many young men throughout the years. He is always passionate about high school baseball, and coaches from the first pitch to the last out regardless of the outcome.”

On this night, Barrios would need much of that positivity, as the Sharks took it to the Lightning early, putting up four runs in each of the first two innings, to build an 8-2 lead. They would add a run in the third, and two each in the fourth and fifth, cruising to the victory.

The win was the sixth straight to start the year for University School, after going 24-5 last season, with a regional semifinal appearance.

“Our program is a little banged up at the moment, we have only had 10 position players available this whole week. But the guys did a good job of taking care of business through the injuries,” said Rovetto.

One of those players getting the job done was Landon Combs. The sophomore went 3-for-4 at the plate, with three runs., He also picked up the in, with three innings of two-run baseball.

Griffin Pomper, Mark Manuel, Devin Mila, and Joe Georgiou all added two hits for the Sharks.

While the night on the field was dominated by University School, the focus off the field was on Barrios.

“To be recognized by USchool, Coach Dan Rovetto, and his staff, is a profound honor,” said Barrios. “It signified for me that the impact we make throughout the years on our student-athletes extends beyond the white lines.”

While Barrios and his Krop squad will try to turn their early season struggles around with a game against Hialaeah Gardens, the Sharks will head down south into one of the toughest atmospheres to play in the country, Key West.

“We are looking forward to the opportunity to go down to the Keys for a three night trip,” said Rovetto. “Key West is never an easy place to play, or win. We will find out what we are made of. This next week is imperative for our program growth and toughness.”

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