A Sea Of Red

Irvine's Etheridge writes new script on his career
By Helene Elliott, Times Staff Writer
May 18, 2007

UC Irvine pitcher Wes Etheridge can't remember why he veered off track, only that he never felt comfortable in a classroom and was easily bored. By the time he reached middle school he routinely concocted ways to escape and meet up with friends to smoke pot.

later in the article is the money quote...

Little besides partying was important to him until he was 20 and was given a Bible by a family friend, Mark Ward, setting him on a path he follows day by challenging day.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-uci ... &cset=true

Excellent find, thanks for posting it.