This is a story in a series on local high school athletes signing to continue their athletic and academic careers at the next level.
Owensboro Catholic’s Hunter Small will take his talents to Olney Central College next season but he’ll have a familiar face beside him in teammate Finley Munsey.
Small is hitting .420 this season with one home run, 21 RBIs and 23 runs in 70 at bats. On the mound, Small is 1-0 with a 1.58 ERA to go with 13 strikeouts.
How does it feel to finally know where you’re going to attend next year and to make it official?
It feels good, it’s always a huge relief making it easier to play relaxed. It has always been a huge goal of mine wanting to play at the next level, and I couldn’t have done any of that without my coaches, parents, or teammates.
Why did you choose the school you did?
People always say the “JUCO” route is tough, but I like having to work twice as hard as the other guy to get where I need to be. It wasn’t a very hard decision for me to make when he expressed all of the development they focus on and the players they have produced. They are a winning program and send many players off to D-1 schools.
What stood out about the program and the coaches?
I like how Coach Conley expressed the work you have to put in there, and the type of coach he seemed to be. He wants to develop you not only as a player but as a man, and I really liked that about him. He is a coach that will push you to your max limit, and a coach that doesn’t allow half effort. I believe he will be a great coach and I look forward to the next two years I have him as my coach.
What are you going to study?
As of now I am undecided on what I want to major in, but I have considered engineering or being an electrician.
What are you going to miss about your team and school?
The big thing I will miss is how close our team has grown as a brotherhood the past four years. I think that is part of the reason for all of our success on the field, and I will miss being on the field with those guys. Everybody on my team makes you better as a player, and the coaches are outstanding. This is a great coaching staff, with a lot of background in the sport. My high school coaches are some guys I will always look back to for advice, or needing something.
