A medical scare eight months ago has turned into the opportunity of a lifetime for one Washington Demon alum. Growing up, Elijah Wood’s wanted to play collegiate baseball at a Division I institution, specifically with the University of Iowa.

The 2014 Demon graduate initially found little interest from college baseball teams and elected to go the junior college rout in pursuit of his goal. Wood chose to spend his first two collegiate seasons at Marshalltown Community College, joining the Tigers’ pitching staff. Instant playing time and good competition was the main factor in Wood deciding to go to MCC.

Wood played fall baseball for Marshalltown last year, and in December he started feeling stiffness in his left arm. Wood became increasingly concerned when his throwing shoulder started swelling up. The swelling was due to a seven-inch blood clot in his shoulder and Wood was immediately rushed to the University of Iowa hospital for treatment. Doctors had to remove Wood’s top rib in order to help clear space for blood to move back into his shoulder. He spent over a week in the hospital, losing 35 pounds.

With his college coaches suggesting he take a medical redshirt, Wood resumed pitching activities less than two months removed from the hospital, and ultimately became a starter for the Tigers. He posted a 3-5 overall record with an earned run average of 4.66 in 11 starts. He struck out 47 batters in 56 innings pitched.

Earlier this month, Wood received a surprising phone call from the University of Iowa baseball team. In need of a left handed pitcher, the Hawkeyes offered Wood a scholarship, which he accepted.

The Hawkeye baseball team is coming off their third straight 30 win season, finishing the 2016 campaign 30-26 overall. Hear an interview with Wood on this week’s PM Sports Page, found OnDemand at KCIIRadio.com.