6 days ago
How faith anchors Center Grove infielder Gannon Grant, has Trojans eyeing sectional title
GREENWOOD – When a 13-year-old Cal Schembra got exhausted by his parents arguing and wanted an escape place, he hung out with Center Grove baseball teammate Gannon Grant. As Schembra's parents headed toward divorce, Grant's presence and loyalty to his Christian faith kept Schembra afloat.
'He was there for me during that hard time,' Schembra said after Center Grove (24-4) defeated Perry Meridian 9-0 in Saturday's IHSAA Class 4A baseball sectional semifinals. 'That jolted my faith.'
Entering Saturday's contest, Grant led the Trojans with a .386 batting average. Despite going 0-for-4 against Perry Meridian, the Tennessee recruit's teammates had his back. Center Grove maintained a comfortable 2-0 lead through the first four innings before scoring three runs at the top of the 5th to take a commanding 5-0 lead.
With the game arguably out of reach, the Trojans kept attacking in the seventh. Schembra opened the final inning with a double before two consecutive singles from Carson Bush and Cayden Jones drove in the senior outfielder. A ground rule double from Hudson Stewart brought in Bush and Jones before a sacrifice fly three batters later drove in the game's final run.
Even during rough performances like Saturdays, Grant still tries to thank God because 'he gave me the ability to play this game another day and I won't take that for granted.' Grant's family raised him and his three siblings in church. Grant's affinity for praying at family dinners when he was younger earned him the nickname 'PG' or pastor Gannon.
Not much has changed since he enrolled at Center Grove.
Grant often initiates prayer during team dinners, and when teammates have questions about Christianity, they flock to their junior infielder.
'Wherever he is sitting at team dinners, many people sit,' said Grant's brother, Grady, who also plays on the Center Grove baseball team. 'We all follow him. He's one of the team's leaders and when he trusts God, many people like to follow him. It's awesome because he does big things. I want to be like him. His faith keeps me responsible for my faith and keeps me on top of everything.'
Though an example to many, Grant acknowledged managing sport and his spiritual life isn't easy. Grant, Schembra and a few other teammates attend a weekly bible study for Center Glove student-athletes to remain accountable and navigate mental hardships associated with playing sports.
'There's going to be lots of ups and downs,' Grant said. 'Especially when you go to a big school, there's going to be a lot of struggles and you got to know God is there. Keeping him in your corner is a big thing.'
Trojans coach Keith Hatfield praised Grant for his confident demeanor. While he admitted some may perceive it as arrogance, Hatfield knows the young man's self-belief isn't rooted in pride.
'His beliefs give him more confidence than anything,' Hatfield said. 'It gives him a comfort to carry himself positively. Some may call it cocky, but it's a comfortable confidence.'
Saturday's victory gave Center Grove its 16th win in its past 18 games. Grady said he believes the 'aspect of faith is going to carry us very far in the tournament.'
More: Brotherly glove: Gannon, Grady Grant give Center Grove baseball talented duo up the middle
Before Center Grove and Franklin Central (7-19) battle for the sectional title Monday, Grant will look at the hand-written cross in his glove. As the national anthem serenades through the Trojans' stadium, the Division I prospect will say a prayer and tell God, 'Everything I do is for you.'
'God is a big deal in my life and that's my testimony,' Grant said. 'He's blessed me and I work hard toward that with the gift he's given me.'
