CHAMPAIGN — Ross Learnard was never supposed to go to Parkland College. The plan was to follow older brother Joel and cousin J.D. Learnard to the Missouri Valley Conference with a commitment to Evansville.
But a change of heart led him to the Cobras and coach Dave Garcia. Now the 6-foot-2 left-hander and Salt Fork graduate has another shot at Division I baseball after two successful seasons at Parkland opened even more doors. Learnard committed to Purdue last month.
“I think my heart kind of led me (to Parkland),” Learnard said. “Honestly, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.