LUBBOCK — The colors of Julius Carpio’s jersey have changed multiple times in the past few seasons.
After an impressive high school career at Dimmitt, Carpio began his college career at Amarillo College, playing well enough to garner the attention of four-year programs like West Texas A&M. Following Carpio’s time with the Badgers, he joined the Buffs’ roster and has blossomed into one of the team’s best pitchers.
Carpio’s success didn’t happen by accident.
No matter what team he was playing for or the color of his jersey, he’s always been willing to work hard and go the extra mile (or 60) to improve his game. Despite redshirting his first season at WT, Carpio’s work ethic has never wavered.
Developing good habits
Carpio developed his love of baseball in Dimmitt playing for his uncle, Richard Carpio.
Richard wasn’t the Bobcats’ coach, but managed to put together a group of players for a travel team that Julius says he’s still close with to this day.
“Guys out of Nazareth, there’s Aidan Moore, he’s actually at LCU,” he said. “I think I got it from him, just always in there working.”
As Carpio got older, he continued to excel, eventually needing more specialized work and training than a town of 4,000 people could provide. That meant travelling to Amarillo four times per week to work out with some of the best high school players in the region.
The constant 60-mile, one-way trips were worth it, though.
He earned a spot on Odessa College’s roster out of high school. Carpio had a strong season for the Wranglers, then transferred to Amarillo College for his second collegiate season and then on to West Texas A&M.
Now, he’s found a groove with the Buffs.
In early March, Carpio was named the Lone Star Conference’s Pitcher of the Week.
“Just mentally prepared,” Carpio said. “Weather we’re on the road or at home. It starts at the gym, with the 6 a.m. weights. Getting focused, mentally and physically.”
A coach’s perspective
WTAMU coach Cory Hall has seen Carpio’s development better than anyone. He also highlighted that work ethic over a long period ahead of playing in meaningful games for the program.
“Growing up and maturing, and growing into his role,” Hall said. “Not letting moments be too big for him, he’s done that really, really well this year. He’s going to be a major factor down the stretch for us.”
West Texas A&M is 24-11 after losing to LCU in the first of a four-game series on Friday evening. Carpio didn’t pitch in that game, but he was still working in the bullpen with the rest of the Buffs’ pitching staff. He’s currently 3-0 in eight appearances on the season.
As the season continues, WT will need Carpio to continue his strong performance to have a chance at reaching at NCAA Regional. The Buffs recently fell from the top 25 rankings, but will have an opportunity to earn their way back into the poll with a series against No. 3 Angelo State at Wilder Park next weekend.
