Serving the High Plains
Logan High School senior Kaeden Stoner signed an official letter of intent to join the Wayland Baptist University baseball program in Texas after this season.
Logan Municipal Schools on Tuesday hosted a signing ceremony in the district's Performing Arts Center attended by his family, coaches and the student body.
After signing the document, Stoner took off his Longhorns baseball cap and donned a WBU cap.
Stoner, a four-year varsity player, has played a key role in two Class 1A championships and one runner-up finish.
The Longhorns are 9-2 so far this year and ranked second in Class 1A by MaxPreps.com.
The right-handed Longhorns ace boasts a career earned run average of 1.43 with 255 strikeouts in 127 2/3 innings.
When he isn't pitching, Stoner usually plays shortstop. As a hitter, he has batted .509 with 82 RBI in 66 games in his Longhorns career.
His coach, Kyle Griffiths, said watching Stoner excel has been "one of the greatest rewards."
Griffiths said he saw "within five minutes" how capable Stoner was as a baseball player even as a middle-schooler.
Stoner thanked thanked his family and friends for their love and support, including those who would stay a few minutes after practice so he could "get a few throws in." He mentioned his Christian faith as part of his success.
"I would not be here today without my teammates," Stoner added. "I'd like to thank everyone for pushing me every day."
The Pioneers, an NAIA program, were 17-23 going into Saturday and were 29-22 last year.