'Dream School' Becomes Reality For Gurney

SCOTLAND, Ontario - The decision to reclassify has been reversed. Cameron Gurney is staying a 2021 and Arizona State is the reason.

“Over a year ago I reclassified as a 2022, but when I talked to them they said, are you willing to go 2021 if the offer is right?” Gurney related. “My bat, that’s my big selling point. But they also are in need of a ’21 catcher.”

For the Pauline Johnson High School senior, the decision to the class of 2021 was a no-brainer.

“Arizona State has been my dream school for a while,” Gurney pointed out. “Me and my family visited the area four or five years ago and it was perfect. I fell in love with the area. We stayed at a family friend’s place and I really got to know the area. The weather was the big thing. It’s not humid heat. It didn’t completely drain you out there.”

A chance to attend college and be part of a program like Arizona State is the perfect scenario for the left-handed hitting Gurney.

“They’ve been a very successful team in the past, one of the top programs in all of college baseball,” the fourth-rated 2021 in Ontario said. “The coaches and players there are very welcoming and as far away from home as it is, there’s a feeling of home with family friend’s there.”

Going to school 35 hours from home via car is not an issue according to Gurney.

“I’ve always been independent,” the 17-year-old admitted. “Personally, I’m ready. I don’t know if my mom is, but I’m definitely ready for it. It’s really not nerve-wracking at all, but my family was expecting me to go in 2022 so it is a year early. I’m not sure my parents are ready for it, but I know I will be.”

The opportunity to contribute upon arriving adds to the excitement for the top-ranked senior catcher in Ontario.

“They need a ’21 catcher so I’m going in as a catcher,” pointed out Gurney, a former shortstop/pitcher who made the position change in the later part of 2019. “If something happens and they need my bat in the lineup they can stick me at first base or outfield, but catcher is my main position.”

Strides have recently been made behind the plate according to Gurney.

“I’ve made a big improvement over the last three months,” the 6-0 180-pounder explained. “I’ve been working on it four or five times a week and definitely making big progress. I’m happy with that now, but I need to keep getting better at it.”

According to the PBR Canada staff, the prospects for Gurney are outstanding.

“Arm strength is the best part of his defensive game right now,” it says on his PBR profile under Coast to Coast Prospect Watch back in December. “It is easy to carry, the big question with him is will he be able to handle the high-end elite arms as the position is new. The off-season will be key for him.

“Offensively there is a feel to hit, he’s shown in-game power with discipline and ability to recognize and swing at quality pitches to hit. The body and mobility that comes with the position will be key for Gurney as the winter progresses.”

Gurney feels he can make major contributions to the Pac 12 Conference program.

“I’ll bring as much as I can whether it’s with the bat or my defensive skills,” the 40th-rated 2021 catcher in North America said. “Whatever it takes, I want to help the team and get ASU to Omaha.”

Sport management or sports business are potential majors for Gurney, who carries a 3.55 GPA and at one point in time was getting interest from Stetson on the other coastline in the states.

“I was talking with one other school at the time I started getting interest from them a few months ago, but Arizona State has been my dream school for a long time,” Gurney noted. “The offer was in the ballpark of what I was looking for so it was hard to say no. I’m very happy with the choice I made.”

Making the commitment official brought the dream to a reality.

“It’s amazing,” Gurney said. “It’s hard to describe, especially being my dream school. I’m extremely thankful to everyone that helped me, from teammates, to family to friends, to coaches. It’s been an awesome journey and I can’t wait to continue it.”