Sam Eddington is on a mission is to help people.
"I've always enjoyed science and I think going into a medical field was always a natural for me," Eddington said. "I might go into medical research or maybe become a doctor. Either way, my goal is to help people."
Eddington, a summa cum laude graduate from Benton High School, earned admission into Ouachita Baptist University's competitive biomedical scholar program. Eddington says he eventually wants to enter medical school.
"I have no idea where that's going to lead me," Eddington said. "But hopefully I'll be doing what I love with people I enjoy being around."
Eddington enjoyed a stellar career for both of the Panthers' golf and bowling teams. He was a four-year letterman in both sports, won all-state honors in golf his junior year and all-state honors in bowling his senior year. He played for four conference championship teams -- three for golf, one for bowling.
"Honestly, if it was bowling season, I'd say bowling was my favorite," said Eddington, who has rolled a 300 game, although it was not for his high school team. "And when bowling season ended, I'd be ready to be back on the golf course. I can't say I had a preference for either, but I enjoyed them both."
Eddington said playing alongside his teammates was the most enjoyable experience of his high school career.
"I didn't have a good round of golf my second day of the state tournament, but overall, I was happy with my season," Eddington said. "I played for three conference championship teams and that's something to be proud of. My teammates and I were strong for each other. I would say we were successful."
-- Tim Cooper
Sports on 07/24/2016