BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

PIPPA PASSES — Alice Lloyd College continues to provide opportunities for eastern Kentucky students. Joshua Gauze, Isaiah Zuidema and Jestin Barker are representing their hometown of Inez in the mountains of Pippa. The three Martin County graduates were on the roster for the ALC men’s soccer team in the 2023 fall season.

Gauze, the son of Martin County High School coach Steven Gauze, graduated from MCHS in 2020. He played 13 years in Martin County.

Gauze finished his high school career as the All-time assist leader for the boys program. He made the All-District team three times.

The brother of Martin County’s first semi-pro player, Kaitlyn Gauze, signed with Union College where he played defender for two seasons.

In 2022 he transferred to Alice Lloyd and played two more years as the starting center defender. Gauze majors in exercise science and will finish his degree this fall.

Zuidema graduated from Martin County in 2022. He finished high school with 14 goals and 35 assists and was voted All-District and All-Region twice.

Zuidema has played two seasons as the starting center defensive midfielder for the Eagles. He has had six assists and four goals.

Zuidema has a 3.4 GPA and is majoring in accounting.

Barker was a member of the ‘22 graduating class as well. He closed out his high school career with 15 goals and 16 assists and made the All-District once and All-Region twice.

Barker starts for the Eagles as the center midfielder. He has scored four goals and had four assists in his collegiate career.

Barker has a 3.2 GPA and is majoring in exercise science.

Pictures located in summer sports