Five seconds in the presence of Barnstable High School senior Zach Wilson and you are immediately taken aback.

     That's because there are few imposing people you will meet in those world who are as polite, well-spoken and genuinely kind as this BHS two-sport captain.

     Wilson, who has caught every inning of every varsity baseball game the past three seasons and is co-captain of this year's Red & White nine along with shortstop Tim Norton, has spent the better part of the last four years of his life gearing up to excel and excel he has.

     As a sophomore, Wilson churned up 107 yards rushing in a tough, rain-battered Thanksgiving Day game versus Falmouth at home. In spite of losing 7-0, Wilson made his presence known on the field that day.

    So much so, that after three varsity football seasons and two Old Colony League All-Star awards, Byrant University (Smithfield, RI) offered Wilson a full scholarship -- 50 percent for athletics and 50 percent for academics. The offer the true culmination of this young man's perserverance, leadership and versatility.

     Wilson spends his spare time weigh-training or working at Lowell park for the Cotuit Athletic Association, a job he earned through hard work last summer working under former North Carolina head baseball coach and current Cotuit Kettleers Field Manager Mike Roberts.