Shaw baseball star injured in wreck gets degree in hospital

Edgar Huff, 22, was hospitalized after the two-vehicle crash outside Greenville on May 5. The right-handed pitcher from Hubert missed his graduation that Saturday.

But on Friday, high-ranking university officials traveled to Greenville to present Huff his degree before his family and friends.

"A smile as bright as the sun came across his face as we all hummed as he processed via wheelchair," described university spokeswoman Terry Spicer.

Huff's graduation ceremony involved all the pomp and circumstance as the larger one – academic officials in full regalia, an invocation, a hooding and teary-eyed family members.

Huff earned a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science, with Latin honors and a 3.6 GPA.

"Today, you graduate magna cum laude, and your tireless academic and athletic excellence have been a tremendous asset to the university," Dr. Herman Thomas, vice president of academic affairs, said as he bestowed the diploma upon Huff.

Baseball head coach Bobby Sanders hugged Huff and presented him with a Shaw baseball jacket.

"We are grateful that Edgar's life was spared. He is an incredible young man and has been a tremendous asset to our baseball program," Sanders said.

Huff said he was proud to be a Shaw graduate.

"I will never forget this ever in my life," he said. "Shaw University is the oldest historically black college of the South, and today I am a part of her history. I love Shaw University."

Huff's parents thanked the Shaw University community for all their support.

"You all really have gone the extra mile for our family ... . Ed's countenance is different, and there is a sparkle that has returned to his eyes," they said.

Huff said he wanted to focus on his new degree, not his injuries.

"I'm doing all right. I'm happy to be alive and celebrate this moment in my life," he said.

As for his plans?

"I want to go home and take an uninterrupted nap," Huff said.