A hurricane named Katrina changed his life.

But the devastation that chased his family to Opelousas also opened the door for a future in college baseball.

Former Brother Martin pitcher and now an Opelousas Catholic senior, Patrick Holloway signed a national letter of intent Friday to play baseball at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

"Not knowing any body when I first moved here forced me to concentrate more on baseball than I would have," Patrick said. "It helped me focus on my goals."

The star pitcher said moving to Opelousas and playing for the Vikings and the Louisiana Legends helped get his name out to the state programs.

Holloway had drawn attention from LSU, UL Monroe, Northwestern and Southeastern Louisiana, but Holloway decided on the Ragin Cajuns.

"I wanted to go to UL all along," Patrick said of his decision. "With Coach Robicheaux working with me as the pitching coach, I know I will get better over there."

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By Tom Dodge
tdodge@dailyworld.com