Five seniors from Owensboro High School announced their decisions to continue their baseball careers at the collegiate level during a group signing Wednesday afternoon.
Isaac Humphrey will be attending the University of Louisville, Tucker Hagan is headed to Lincoln Memorial University and Kobe Coomes is going to Georgetown College. Nick Belcher and Braxton French both signed with the University of Southern Indiana.
OHS head coach Logan Johnson said the group as been invaluable not just on the field but also with their leadership. They joined the Red Devils program as 7th-graders before playing on the freshman and JV teams and eventually starring for the varsity squad.
“That type of experience and continuity just means the world to a program, especially one that started out young,” Johnson said. “As they get older, they’re teaching the younger kids what work ethic is. Once (younger players) get to high school and they can see how these juniors and seniors work, it builds off itself as a program.”
Read below for thoughts from each senior about playing at OHS, what it means to have a chance to play in college and why they chose their respective schools.
ISAAC HUMPHREY (CF, P) – University of Louisville
About OHS: It’s been amazing. This school is honestly the best school in the state. It’s academics, athletics — I couldn’t ask for better support from the school than what I’ve gotten here.
Why Louisville: It’s the best school in the country. Every year they’re in the top five in the country in the baseball rankings. They run a phenomenal program up there. I’ve been waiting on this day for about two or three years now (after committing to the school long ago). To finally get it behind me, to get it on paper and get it official, that’s the best thing there is.
About the next level: That’s the dream. Ever since you play in Little League, you see these college guys on TV going to The League. College is the first step to the MLB, so it’s a dream I’ve had since I was a little kid.
TUCKER HAGAN (INF, P) – Lincoln Memorial University
About OHS: It’s helped me become a great young man. I’ve learned a lot from our coaches in every sport. They each teach us a different way of looking at things, and it helped me grow as an athlete and as a student.
Why LMU: I loved everything about it. From the time I got there, they made me feel like family. Everything there was top notch and I just loved it.
About the next level: It’s mind blowing because I’ve been dreaming about this day forever. I’m extremely blessed and humbled to be able to be able to play at the next level.
KOBE COOMES (3B, 1B) – Georgetown College
About OHS: You get to be a part of tradition. Everyone here is family. I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else. We’re all about winning here, all these guys are my brothers, and we just work hard.
Why Georgetown: I chose Georgetown because of the people. It’s a great community. I love the school and I love the coaches. Everyone there is really nice and it’s a great school.
About the next level: It gives me a great opportunity to improve my game and to get a great education. It’s been a goal of mine since I started the game. Baseball has always been that sport that I love more than the other ones. I’ve played just about every sport you can think of, and baseball is just the one that stuck with me.
NICH BELCHER (1B, C) – University of Southern Indiana
About OHS: Playing here is all about winning. I hope we keep winning like we have been and keep playing as a team and stay together. Before these guys I never really hung out with people, and now I have them as family.
Why USI: Their education and athletic program is awesome. Their atmosphere was all about family and it was great. I’m not sure what to expect, so I’ll work hard and see where I end up.
About the next level: It’s always been a dream of mine. It’s been my main goal in life for a long time.
BRAXTON FRENCH (P, RF) – University of Southern Indiana
About OHS: I’ve loved every bit of it. I love the coaches, I love the players, I love all the teachers and the students that come out and support us. I’ve improved my game and I hope to keep it going.
Why USI: I really liked the campus and the coaches. I felt like it was a great place for me to go. I plan on going and helping them in the outfield because they’re losing a bunch of seniors this year.
About the next level: It’s a pleasure. I think I’m one of the first ones in my family to make it to the next level in sports, and I hope they younger people in my family have a chance to do what I’m doing. It’s been a goal ever since I was a little kid playing travel ball.
