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 ...
