Published: May 17, 2008 12:47 am            

Garber’s Schnaithman moving on with life

Carly Schnaithman had a difficult decision to make. But, ultimately the Garber High senior chose to walk away from the athletic field.

“It was one of the toughest decisions to make,” Schnaithman said.

Schnaithman has been a standout athlete during her four years for the Lady Wolverines.

A four-year starting point guard for Garber, Schnaithman helped the Lady Wolverines to three state tournament berths. She has been a standout on the diamond as well. Last fall, she was the News & Eagle fast-pitch softball player of the year.

Those athletic accomplishments afforded Schnaithman the choice of a full-ride college basketball scholarship. Or she could continue her next four years following another passion, her involvement in FFA.

Schnaithman chose to take advantage of her academic scholarship to Oklahoma State University after being elected as a state FFA reporter.

“I felt like I was letting the colleges down and letting (Garber) coach (Jamie) Davis down,” Schnaithman said. “But she’s been real supportive.”

Schnaithman is one of more than a dozen all-staters who will participate in tonight’s KOFM All-Star game at Mark Price Arena. The action begins at 5 p.m. with a 3-point shooting contest, followed by the girls game at 5:30 then the boys game at 7.

Tonight’s game is one of the last opportunities Schnaithman will have to play organized basketball. She also will compete in the Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association All-State game May 31 at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford.

“It’s been tough, but I knowing that will allow me to try to leave everything on the floor,” Schnaithman said.

After averaging more than 17 points and six rebounds a game last season, Schnaithman almost continued her basketball career in college. She even committed to Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan.

But those plans changed when Schnaithman was elected as a state FFA reporter. In early February, she was one of three finalists for the position following an interview process. Schnaithman then spent nearly two months campaigning by traveling around the state.

It paid off for Schnaithman, who officially was voted in April 30.

As a state FFA reporter at OSU, Schnaithman will split her time between school and traveling around the state, holding leadership conference for FFA chapters throughout the state.

“It’s going to be like a full-time job,” said Schnaithman, who will major in agricultural communications at OSU and has future aspirations to go into sports broadcasting.

Schnaithman’s decision meant she had to turn down a chance to continue her basketball career. But it was a decision she does not regret.

“I felt I could impact more lives in office than I ever could on the basketball court,” she said. “Meeting the people on the campaign made me realize I made the right decision.”