By Anvil Welch
awelch@joplinglobe.com
The Roys — Aurora twins Kaleb and Kyle — are splitting up.
The Roys are going different directions — the sports aren’t the same, either — in hopes of continuing their athletic careers.
Kaleb has signed with Baptist Bible of Springfield for basketball. Kyle has signed with North Arkansas College of Harrison for baseball.
The Roys, fraternal twins, sparkled in basketball and baseball at Aurora in 2008-09.
Mrs. Aaron Roy — the former Sandra Bauman — said the sons played soccer until switching to football in the third grade.
Kaleb, 6-foot-1, some 140 pounds, is joining prep teammate Chase Howerton at BBC under Joe Lamanske. Kyle, who’ll play for Phil Wilson at North Arkansas, is a 5-10, 160-pounder.
Said Aurora baseball coach Grant Baker: “Kaleb, for us a pitcher-first baseman, throws left and bats left. But he shoots a basketball right-handed. Now, of course, he may utilize the left hand in going for a layup in basketball. The right-handed Kyle is a third baseman-pitcher.”
Their roles in basketball for coach Darin Meinders were clear: the lean Kaleb launching a 3 and the stocky Kyle harassing on defense.
“Kaleb and Kyle also love golf,” Sandra Roy said. “They’re playing golf when they aren’t working or playing one of those other sports.”
Kaleb Roy, honorable mention all-Big 8 Conference this spring, posted a 3-3 record with a 3.47 ERA. He struck out 28 in 40 1/3 innings.
Kyle Roy averaged .300 with 16 runs scored and strong defense, Baker said. Kyle is playing American Legion baseball this summer for Aurora Post 126 (coached by Baker).
The basketball team, which was led by William Jewell signee Ryan Carmichael, an all-stater, finished 27-2 overall, lost in the quarterfinals in Class 4 and was unbeaten in the Big 8.
Aaron, who played football, basketball and baseball, and cheerleader Sandra graduated from Aurora in 1989.
Their daughter Emilee, who’ll be a sophomore, concentrates on volleyball and track.
Sports
Roy twins split up to follow sports dreams
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