BY JOHN D. HOMAN, Logan Media Services

CARTERVILLE – Three John A. Logan College sophomores – third baseman Keelin Rasch of Harrisburg, lefthanded pitcher Wes Mason of Mount Vernon and righthanded pitcher Chris Hunt of Paducah – recently signed letters of intent to play baseball on scholarship next fall at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

“To have this many kids sign on the first day of the early signing period is pretty special,” said Vols head coach Jerry Halstead. “We’re very happy for these young men and believe the Division I signings say a lot about our program here. When you look at the school they’re going to attend, they’re going to a quality program.”

The University of Louisiana at Monroe Warhawks finished 32-30 a year ago and won the Sun Belt Conference championship. Two former Vols – outfielder Brandon Alexander and righthanded pitcher Cale Wine – are seniors there this year.

Halstead said it’s always good to see the hard work and dedication of student-athletes rewarded with a scholarship to a four-year school.

“Not only are these kids good athletes, but they are also good students and that benefits the university,” he said. “I expect Keelin to step in and play right away next year, while Wes and Chris should also make an impact with their pitching staff. I look forward to them having outstanding careers at ULM.”

First things first, however, as Halstead is counting on the trio to provide leadership roles with a solid Vols team next spring.

“They’re part of our club’s core,” he said. “They bring a lot to the table and will be expected to contribute heavily toward our goal of winning another Great Rivers Athletic Conference and Region 24 championship.”

Mason said he was happy to sign with ULM.

“I’m absolutely excited about it,” he said. “I’ve always dreamed of playing Division I baseball. Louisiana Monroe is a good environment. They won the conference last year and the community is really behind them. I liked the feel of things when I visited there. It seems to be a program on the rise and I want to be a part of what I believe to be something special.”

Mason said he realizes there is unfinished business at Logan next spring.

“Without a doubt,” he said. “I would like to see us win another conference and region title and then go on to win the district title, so we can qualify for the World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado.”

Mason said he expects to be more successful in his sophomore season.

“I think the experience I got last year helped me a lot this fall,” he said. “I was much more comfortable on the mound and want to be a guy my teammates can look to for leadership.”

Rasch patrols the hot corner for the Vols. He said the decision to pick ULM was an easy one.

“After visiting there, it seemed like the perfect fit for all of us,” he said. “It’s a great program, a great baseball town and you can’t beat the weather,” he said. “I’m looking forward to playing ball there for the next two years. And to have two of my Logan teammates going there with me is that much more exciting.”

Rasch said his maturation as a player should lead to even greater success as a sophomore next spring.

“Playing last year made a big difference. I’m much more comfortable in my game this year and am looking forward to having a good year.”

Nothing short of a trip to the World Series will satisfy the sophomores, Rasch said.

“We had a taste of it last year, winning Region 24 and advancing to the District championship game. We want to go one step further this year.”

Hunt said he is equally excited about signing with ULM.

“I’m definitely looking forward to moving on to the next stage in my career with Louisiana Monroe,” he said. “I liked what I saw there when I visited and hope I will be able to make a difference with them next year.”

Hunt said coming to Logan out of high school was one of the best decisions he has made in his young life.

“I needed some time to mature as a player and as an individual and Logan has provided that for me,” he said. “My pitching mechanics have improved and so has my overall work ethic thanks to Coach Halstead and the other coaches. I would say I am a much more determined player in my approach to the game now than I was before coming here.”

Hunt said that while it’s comforting to know he has a scholarship waiting on him for next year, he is focused now winning games for the Vols.

“Absolutely,” he said. “The World Series is never far from my mind. It would be awesome to go out a winner at Colorado. We have a really good team, which I think is capable of making it there. I’m excited to get the season started.”