ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - NC Wesleyan senior left fielder Zach Lyon and his father, Otho, had a memorable day on Saturday, May 7. Both family members graduated from N.C. Wesleyan University on the same day that the younger Lyon knocked two hits to help his Bishops advance in the conference baseball tournament.
Zach, a First Team All-Division OF and a native of Raleigh and Wakefield HS, received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems while minoring in Cybersecurity while his father, Otho, obtained his Master's Degree in Business Administration.
"It was one of the most proud moments in my life, just as proud on the day he was born," said Mr. Lyon on graduating with his son. "I am first generation college so to be able to see my son graduate was truly a milestone for my entire family."
"My father and mother were strong advocates on getting our education. I have pushed both Zach and his sister, Ashtyn, to strive for excellence. I am so proud of the both of them," exclaimed the elder Lyon.
Otho started his educational career at UNC-Greensboro majoring in sociology. From there, he went to Wake Tech CC where he majored in Networking. He finally finished at NCWU majoring in Computer Info Systems while getting his M.B.A.
"Our lineage years from now will see our pictures and achievements and say, if they can achieve that even during a pandemic so can we," said Mr. Lyon.
Zach, a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, was named to the President's Honor List twice while he was also named to the President's List with Honors once during his academic career.
"Going into graduation I wasn't sure if I would be able to attend with our team still competing in the conference tournament playoffs," said Zach. "However, my father said that if I didn't walk that he wouldn't either. That meant the world to me that he supported me so much as he would rather come to my game instead of walking at graduation."
"Thank God that it all worked out where both of us could attend and I would not change that moment for anything," commented Zach as his team had clinched a spot in the winners' bracket finale the day before with their win over Pfeiffer freeing up the seniors to walk Saturday morning at graduation.
Zach then helped the team defeat Huntingdon College 5-1 with his two hits, walk and run scored later Saturday. "I think it's a great story! They are quite the pair," exclaimed head Coach Greg Clifton. "We are thrilled for the both of them. Zach has become quite the player and Otho doesn't miss too many games. We love having both of them part of our Bishop Baseball family!"
Zach finished his senior campaign with a .333 average, three home runs and 39 RBIs while stealing 11 bases and scoring 42 runs. Even as his team fell short in the Conference Finals to LaGrange last weekend, Zach is planning on coming back next season for his fifth year and go after his M.B.A.
