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After a year away from the classroom, Kyle Martin (2012-15) came back and finished what he started. While his professional baseball career is still in front of him, the former South Carolina All-American first baseman has already taken a huge step for life after baseball by coming back to school through the Carolina Degree Completion program and is earning his degree in mechanical engineering this week.I busted my tail for four years, I might as well get it done now, Martin laughed. Really, Im not sure if anybody in my family graduated from college. Its something Ive prided myself on. I worked really hard to complete something, so I wanted to see it through. I didnt want to take a lot of time off and then come back and not know whats going on. I wanted to come back while it was still fresh in my mind.The Carolina Degree Completion Program is part of the Gamecock Student-Athlete Promise and is for student-athletes who left the university in good academic standing to pursue a professional career, or did not complete their degree due to personal circumstances. The program allows those former student-athletes to apply to be readmitted to come back to campus and finish their degree. They have all of the resources that are offered to undergraduate students such as tutoring, laptops, and use of the Dodie Academic Enrichment Center.Its a great opportunity, Martin said of the program. To have that degree means a lot. It opens doors.After earning First Team All-American and First Team All-SEC honors as a senior, Martin was selected in the fourth round of the 2015 Major League Baseball Draft by Philadelphia and played his first full season in high A baseball in Clearwater, Florida, this past year.It definitely would have been more difficult if I waited longer to come back to school, Martin said. It took me about three weeks to get adjusted to it all again. Once I got back into the routine, it all started coming back. Its been a long road. I took a Creo Parametric class this semester, which is full of design. I thought that was one of the coolest parts of my four-plus years here.Martin noted that coming back was tough, but fulfilling. With his father being a mechanical engineer, Martin grew up doing a lot of puzzles and working a lot of math problems which created an interest in the field. Martin had become close with one of his professors, Dr. Michael Sutton, during his playing days with the Gamecocks, and he had encouraged him to complete his degree after staying in touch while playing professional baseball.He sits on the third base line during all of our games, Martin recalled. He and I hit it off, and every now and then I would go into his office just to talk. He went over the classes I had to take, and he really helped me out to get back into it. (Athletics Director) Coach (Ray) Tanner helped me out, and so did (Senior Associate AD/Academics and Student Development) Maria Hickman over at the Dodie. Everybody was helpful.Martin enjoyed some great memories as a Gamecock, including going to the College World Series as a freshman, as well as playing in front of a capacity crowd at Founders Park when South Carolina hosted Clemson.Beating Clemson at home my freshman year was one of my best memories, Martin said. It was so crowded. I loved it. There were a lot of memories my senior year as well. I hit my first walk-off home run (against Kentucky), and I hit for the cycle (at Florida). There are a lot of memories.Martin understands the importance of earning his degree because he knows there is a time when hell have to step out from between the white lines of the baseball field.It might not hit me at first, but I know one day when baseball is over and I really get to use my degree, its going to mean even more, Martin said. I know it means a lot to my parents. Theyve given me so much help and encouragement. Its been a lot of long nights and a long journey, but I know deep down that its going to be heartwarming to know I put the work in and got it done.Now that the coursework is done, Martin looks forward to putting in the work in pursuit of his professional baseball career at Spring Training in March.Chris Wagner Bruins Jersey . -- Jimmie Johnson held off a teammate, passed a pair of Hall of Famers, and dominated once more at Dover. Matt Grzelcyk Bruins Jersey . -- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks was fined $15,570 by the NFL on Wednesday for his hit on Saints quarterback Drew Brees last Sunday. http://www.thebostonbruinshockey.com/jeremy-lauzon-hockey-jersey/ . The visitors took a deserved lead in the 16th minute with midfielder Yohan Cabaye curling the ball beyond Adrian from inside the penalty area. Joakim Nordstrom Jersey . After the whistle, Thornton skated the length of the ice, pulled Orpik to the ice from behind and punched him in the face several times. Jakub Zboril Jersey . The Vikings announced Thursday that Priefer will be one of seven holdovers from the previous staff, along with offensive line coach Jeff Davidson, wide receivers coach George Stewart and others. Norv Turner will mark his 30th year of coaching in the NFL as the offensive co-ordinator, as widely reported for weeks, and George Edwards will be the defensive co-ordinator.JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Rylan Wells threw for 255 yards, ran for 114 and four scores and Irvin Riley added 115 yards rushing and a touchdown to send Jacksonville past Marist 41-35 on Saturday.Jacksonville (5-5, 4-3 Pioneer League) also got 170 receiving yards from Brian Burnett.Marcellus Calhouns 1-yard TD run put Marist (5-6, 5-3) on top 7-3 just before the end of the first quarter. The Dolphins responded with a 6-play, 75-yard drive that ended with Wells scoring on a 6-yard run.Later, Mike White threew a 4-yard TD to Jonathan Boozer with 7:04 before the break to give the Foxes their last lead of the game.dddddddddddd. Wells then added rushing scores of 6- and 2-yards for a 24-14 lead at halftime.Marist closed to 27-21 and 34-28 on Whites TD passes but couldnt get closer.White threw for 223 yards and four touchdowns and Calhoun had 15 carries for 106 yards and a score. ' ' '