Wingate was heavily recruiting the Rock Hill High School senior, but he got an offer he couldn't refuse. Presbyterian College in Clinton offered Curry a double whammy. The school gave him an academic scholarship and a spot on the baseball team.

Curry, a 6-foot-4, 180-pound pitcher/first baseman, is a 4.44 student and plans to major in math. He's excited about the opportunity to play at Presbyterian for several reasons.

"Presbyterian is making the transition from Division II to Division I." said Curry, the son of Sam and Sara Curry. "And they are joining the Big South Conference.

"We won't be able to compete for the championship until my senior season, but until then will play three games against Winthrop in Rock Hill each year. I'm excited because my family, former teammates and friends can come see me play."

Curry, a right-hander, has been on the Bearcats' varsity team for three seasons. He batted .344, slapped two home runs this season and was 2-1 on the mound.

Presbyterian coach Elton Pollack told Curry he's expecting him to come in and compete as a freshman in the field and on the hill.

"PC took it lumps after moving up this year, but they hung in there with some good teams," Curry said. "The lost by a run to Clemson and South Carolina by a run.

"They started recruiting me at the end of my junior season. They invited me for a visit and I really liked it."

Curry's best pitch is his change-up, but he has a fastball in the high 90s and a curve that looks like it's rolling off a table.

Bearcats coach Eddie Hill said he's talked to several pro scouts who have watched Curry pitch. They told Hill that Curry has the body they look for in a pitcher and plan to chart his development.

"PC's pitching coach and recruiting coordinator, Mark Johnson, likes the way Stewart throws,'' Hill said. "And he's always asking me if he can swing the bat well. I told him that's up to Stewart, when he gets there, but I don't think it will be a problem.

"This is a good opportunity for him. He'll get to play at a school with a good sports reputation. And the school is building a new baseball stadium.''