MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — When looking at Clay Bailey’s position on the University High depth chart, it’s listed as “QB.” In 10 years, he hopes to hold the position of “M.D.”
This summer, Bailey was accepted into WVU’s Immunology and Medical Microbiology Program. The program focuses on studying the human immune system.
“It’s a study about the immune system and the diseases and the various good and bad things that can happen to it,” said Bailey.
The program is only four years old, and WVU is among a proud few who offer it.
“They accept about 40 people a year, and it’s growing slowly,” said Bailey. “There are very few schools in the country that have it.”
Bailey first heard about the program during a summer tour at WVU. He has always had a love for science and math and had all the necessary prerequisites to apply to the major. After his tour, he took the initiative.
“I was really interested, so I called a meeting with the dean of the school,” said Bailey. “She took me through the campus and told me if I applied, I’d most likely be accepted.”
Sure enough, Bailey was accepted upon applying. He’ll enroll as a first semester freshman in the fall of 2018. After getting his bachelor’s degree, Bailey plans on going to medical school. He believes the Immunology program will give him a good shot.
“It’s a good way to get into medical school, because not a lot of people take it,” said Bailey.
On the field, Bailey has put up big numbers during his senior season, throwing for 1,696 yards and 19 touchdowns, to go along with 399 rushing yards and three more scores.
It should be no surprise that a player who’s been an absolute surgeon on the field has dreams of going to medical school. While he’s got a rock-solid plan for the next 11 years, his plans after medical school are still up in the air.
“Right now, I’m thinking of being a dermatologist, or really anything where I get to deal with patients,” said Bailey. “Medical school will give me a better idea of what I want to do.”
Bailey’s already giving himself a solid foundation for his future. He’s currently enrolled in AP Calculus, AP Biology, and Human Anatomy. Managing that class load while also quarterbacking the number 3 team in the state is no easy task, but Bailey maintains a disciplined routine to balance it out.
“I keep a good schedule, I stay on time, and I don’t procrastinate very much,” said Bailey. “I prioritize school in front of sports, but sports is a close second.”
Sports may loom larger for Bailey this week as he prepares for his senior Mohawk Bowl, which will be video streamed at the MetroNews Channel of WVMetroNews.com.
The Hawks are 9-0 and on the verge of their first perfect regular season since 1999.
The rival Mohigans sit at 4-5, but any time these crosstown rivals meet, the records might as well be thrown out.
Bailey will have years to study all the ins and outs of the human body. For now, he’ll just focus on studying Morgantown’s game film.
– By Matt Minard for WVMetroNews.com