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Northside senior Carson Clinkscales made All-Conference as a linebacker and he’s among the league leaders on the diamond as well. Clinkscales is second in the Coastal Plains Conference with a .528 batting average, tied for second with 16 runs batted in and fourth with 20 runs scored. He’s been on base almost 60 percent of the time as Northside is tied for the league lead at 4-0 and is 11-2 overall. The Bath native also sports a 4.0 GPA and has been accepted to the East Carolina University Honors College.

1. If you were forced to pick one sport to play in high school, what would it be?

Carson: I honestly don’t know. I love football in the summer and fall and baseball in the spring. Whichever one happens to be in season is the one I would choose. I’ve played both all four years at Northside, so it’s impossible for me to choose.

2. To what do you attribute your personal and the teams strong start?

Carson: I know I am more comfortable and confident on the field this spring. Last year was my first time on varsity and it took a while to adjust to the faster pitching and the overall faster pace. We only lost three guys from last year’s team, so I think all of the returning guys are feeling good at the plate and on the defense. We’ve worked hard to put ourselves in position to make a deep playoff run. We lost in the third round of the playoffs last year to Perquimans, who ended up winning it all and we think we have the ability to go farther than that this season.

3. What will you remember about your time on the field at Northside?

Carson: Being part of the East championship football team my sophomore year was really cool. I started on defense and it was a lot of fun playing in Carter-Finley Stadium. Our bus ride up there was so much fun with people honking and waving at us on the way out.

Also, winning at Southside my junior year to keep the Anchor Bowl trophy here and losing it this fall. We learned a lot from that game. Also, just going through all the off-season conditioning workouts in the heat. I became really close to my teammates and it was fun hanging out with them.

4. When did you start playing both sports?

Carson: I played rec football when I was eight, then didn’t play again until middle school. I didn’t really like it in 7^th grade, but Coach Marabella told me I could be good if I stepped it up. That was my turning point. I’ve played baseball every spring since I was four, starting in the Bath rec league. I like all the practice that goes into getting your swing just right and the unpredictability you face every game. You have to think and the game keeps you on your toes.

5. What classes did you enjoy most at Northside and what’s next after graduation?

Carson: I learned a lot in Ms. Boyd’s History class and freshman English with Ms. Vaughn. She helped me get comfortable with high school and put me in position to succeed. I’m excited about the ECU Honors College and what to become a Physical Therapist who works with athletes. I broke my finger in middle school and the rehab process made me think about it as a possible career. I want to help players get back on the field as fast as they can.

Bonus question: What are your plans for spring break?

Carson: To play in the Pitt County Easter tournament if the weather lets us, relax with my family, go to a UNC baseball game and to attend church to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.