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Brewer signs with the University of the Cumberlands
By Sam McClanahan & Rhonda Hutchison
A historic milestone in the life of Pendleton County senior Koby Brewer and the PCHS Bowling program took place on Jan. 20.
Brewer fulfilled his dream of being a college athlete by putting pen to paper and officially signing with the University of the Cumberlands. He becomes the first Pendleton County student athlete to receive such a scholarship in history.
"This is something I've dreamed of for a long time and it shows that hard works does pay off" Brewer said following his signing.
He was surrounded by his family, classmates, teammates and a large support system inside the auditorium at PCHS when he completed his signing. Pendleton County Bowling coach and Brewer's grandfather, Ronnie Hutchison, spoke to the crowd of attendees about the hard work that was put in to create this achievement. Brewer says he's put in countless hours through the years honing his skills and helping play a vital role in taking the Bowling program to incredible heights.
"My grandpa is my mentor and without him none of this is possible. He's been with me throughout this journey and he's taught me everything I know about the sport," Brewer explained.
The Pendleton County Bowling program currently reigns as the two-time defending regional champions and last year Brewer would finish second overall in individual play at the state championship. He currently holds the school individual records for total pins and high score with a 279. He also carries the highest individual average with a 204 and throughout his career has collected numerous awards. He also qualified to partake in the U.S. National High School Bowling Tournament in 2022.
Brewer's introduction to the sport of bowling came with unusual circumstances. At age seven, he was diagnosed with Long QT, also known as LQTS; a rare heart rhythm disorder that can cause fast and even chaotic heartbeats. It was at this moment that
Brewer's family knew that he would not be able to compete in vigorous sports such as basketball, football, soccer, etc. But Brewer's competitive nature and his desire to apart of something would not be denied. With the encouragement of his grandfather, he started Bowling at age eight. From there he fell in love with the sport and soon began in his journey to become the best he possibly could be while making memories that will stay with him forever.
"Bowling has given so much to me. It's allowed me to be apart of something special ever since I joined the high school team as a seventh grader. We've come so far over the past five years and it's allowed me to make so many friends not just here but at other schools too," he says.
By joining the University of the Cumberlands, Brewer will continue to compete in the sport he loves and thrives in while also beginning the pursuit of another goal. He wants to ultimately become a dentist. Given his strong spirit, tireless work ethic and supportive inner circle, there's little doubt that he will achieve anything that he puts his mind to.
"So many people have been there for me and I wouldn't be where I am without them. I want to thank my parents, Jacob and Amber Brewer, my grandparents, and everyone else who has supported me. It means more than you'll ever know."