Christopher Newport University

2026 -- Freshman -- Appeared in eight games with three starts on the mound during his first season with the Captains ... Made collegiate debut against Southern Virginia on February 14 ... Earned first career start against NCAA Tournament participant Bridgewater College on February 25 ... Finished season with 14 strikeouts over 19.0 innings pitched ... Made postseason debut against Penn St.-Behrend on May 16, tossing four scoreless innings of relief ... Recorded season-high 4.0 innings pitched in three games -- at Averett (March 3), versus Regent (April 16), and Penn St.-Behrend (May 16) ... Struck out a season-high three batters three times ... Finished season with an 8.0 scoreless inning streak ... CNU posted a 6-2 record in games in which he pitched

At Hickory -- Helped lead the Hawks to a district championship in 2023 ... Served as team captain in 2025 ... Also team captain and three-time state qualifier for the swim team ... Played with 5 Star National VB

Personal -- Thomas Edward Blackburn III is the son of Tom and Noel Blackburn ... Has three sisters, Natalie, Sydnee, and Audrey ... Member of the President's Leadership Program ... Works as a lifeguard during the summer ... Favorite athlete is Lebron James ... Person in history he'd most like to meet is John F. Kennedy ... Most impressive person met is his grandfather ... Dream vacation is a trip to Italy ... Superstitions include not stepping on the foul lines ... Favorite food is fettucine alfredo ... Favorite movie is Jarhead and favorite TV show is Invincible ... Favorte musician is Pink Floyd ... Majoring in Kinesiology.