Faulkner coach Andy Priola periodically gives his team a talk about the importance of academics and planning for a future outside of baseball.

Will Cabaniss rarely pays attention.

Not that the Eagles' pitcher/outfielder is cavalier about the next step in his life. It's just that Cabaniss already has earned a biology degree, finished with a 3.9 grade-point average and recently gained acceptance into UAB's nationally respected medical school.

Cabaniss took Priola's message to heart years ago.