Cheatham Signs with ETBU

By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter

GRAPELAND – When you win a state championship in any sport, colleges start looking at that team for those who they believe can play at the next level. If you go to state three consecutive years – and probably four, you get some serious interest.

Such has been the case with Grapeland Sandie Brayden Cheatham. As a freshman, he and the Sandies golf team finished fifth in Class 2A at the state golf tournament. Cheatham finished sixth individually after he carded a 152 over two days.

As a sophomore, he helped lead the Sandies to second place overall in Class 2A and finished seventh individually with rounds of 77 and 78.

As a junior, Cheatham and his Sandie teammates hoisted the trophy as the best golf team in Class 2A as he shot an overall score of 148 (79 and 69) to finish fifth individually.

Who knows what’s in store as the Sandies tee it up next week at the regional golf tournament? One thing’s for certain, however, Cheatham’s performance on the greens and fairways during his high school career has netted him an opportunity to move on to the collegiate level as he signed with East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) on Monday, April 16.

After all the pictures had been taken and congratulations given, Cheatham sat down with The Messenger to discuss his signing with ETBU.

“I’m really excited. This is a big load off of my shoulders. I don’t have to stress about this anymore and I feel like this will help as we get ready for regionals and state,” he said.

As the season has progressed, Cheatham’s golf game has improved, especially in the consistency department. Asked what he credited this to, he replied he had made a couple of changes to his game which he felt had really helped.

“Going out there constantly and practicing and sticking with it but mainly, it was a grip change. I tried to weaken my grip a little bit and that has helped me considerably. It gives me a better feel for it (the club,)” he said.

Cheatham said he had started talking with ETBU during December of last year.

“We made an NCSA account and we got messaged on that,” he said.

NCSA stands for Next College Student Athlete and is a tool used by colleges and high school athletes for recruiting purposes.

“It’s a recruiting system on the internet. Coaches go on there and look at your scores and see how well you’re doing,” he further explained.

“We put my name on there, along with some of my scores. We also put a swing video on the site and she (ETBU Head Golf Coach Sydney Williams) contacted us and said she would like me to come out for a visit. I went up there and wound up liking the campus,” Cheatham said.

Cheatham added he had other offers but they were from places like Oregon and Washington, a little too far away from home, he chuckled.

As far as trading in the maroon and white for the yellow and navy blue of ETBU, Cheatham said, “I’m gonna miss the maroon. It’s been a part of me my whole life, but I feel like it’s going to be a good change.”

In regard to advice he might give to his teammates, Cheatham said “… to keep working hard. That’s what I did. Even on the days when I didn’t think I could, I kept at it. It pays off. Hard work pays off. You also have to work in the classroom and keep that grade point average up.”

“I’d like to thank Coach (Cannon) Earp for helping me,” he continued. “I’d like to thank my family and my grandpa for providing such a good opportunity. I’d also like to thank the school and my teammates.”

When asked for a prediction on the outlook for the Sandie Golf Team in the immediate future, Cheatham didn’t hesitate to give an answer.

“I think we’re going to do pretty good. I like the way we’re playing right now and I like our chances,” he replied.

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].