Muddy River Showcase: Brown County’s Fullerton uses skill set to be playmaker, leader in all sports

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and all seating is general admission.

MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — Tate Fullerton hadn’t been a part of the Brown County baseball program throughout his prep career, but with his penchant for speed and athleticism, there was a role the senior could have on a team destined for greatness this spring.

Hornets coach Jared Hoots saw it.

“Coach Hoots was my quarterback coach, and he convinced me to play baseball since we got to a small school and could use another athlete,” said Fullerton, who was the Hornets’ starting quarterback last fall and starting point guard in the winter. “It was an opportunity to use my skills in another sport.”

It worked out incredibly well. Fullerton found his niche as a courtesy runner, allowing the Hornets to be aggressive on the basepaths with sticks throughout the lineup that could move runners over and drive them in.

The end result was a second-place finish at the Class 1A state tournament and the first state trophy in school history in any sport.

Fullerton soaked in every second of the postseason party and the atmosphere winning generated, especially the sea of green that invaded Dozer Park in Peoria for the final four.

“To see all the community that drove all that way to see us and support us in our last game as a group, I couldn’t be more proud of this community,” Fullerton said.

That’s always been the case, no matter the sport.

“Brown County has always had a special place in my heart,” Fullerton said. “We’re a very tight-knit community.”

He earned the opportunity to represent Brown County one more time when he plays in the Muddy River Showcase, taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The all-star basketball showcase will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. and a boys game at 5 p.m.

“Having that extra opportunity to play the game I love one more time and showcase my talents before I go off and do my own thing in college,” said Fullerton, who was a 1,000-point scorer in high school. “Personally, I won’t be playing sports in college, so it means even more to have that one more opportunity.”

Fullerton is heading to Western Illinois University in the fall with plans to study nursing.

“Ever since I was young, I felt like helping people has been my thing,” Fullerton said. “A lot of people look up to me as a leader and a role model in the community, so being able to give back to those in need and help those who need the support system is something I really have an interest in.”

Being able to head to college with a plan in place works well.

“It’s a lot of stress off my shoulders,” Fullerton said. “I’m confident in what I’m able to achieve and my support system will get me there.”