Hall produces a college of baseball talent

It’s safe to say the Hall High School baseball program knows how to produce talent for the next level.

With five members from the Class of 2021, all of whom will go on to pitch collegiately, joining five other former Red Devils, the Hall program has more than enough talent to form its own college team.

Hall head coach Tom Keegan gives the nod to assistant coach Matt McDonald for preparing their players for the next level.

“It speaks volumes for Matt. He planted the seed with the older guys back in the IV Express days,” Keegan said. “He had a big impact on the kids that followed and their development on the mound. Combine that, his connections and kids that want to work, and that’s why we’ve seen several guys move on.

“It’s gratifying to be around guys that make the game important and want to pursue it at the next level. It also opens the eyes of some of our younger guys as to what all goes into playing the game beyond high school. These guys have put in time year round, not just March through May.”

The next crop of Red Devil collegians consists of Payton Plym and Jack Savitch, who will join former Red Devil Chance Resetich (CF) at Black Hawk College.

Alec Bulak and Trez Rybarczyk, who will team up with Hall product Jimmy DeAngelo (pitcher) at Southwestern Illinois College. SWIC is coached by former Putnam County and Parkland college coach Dave Garcia. And Luke Kelly, who will pitch for Monmouth College.

This year’s senior class will join three other Hall players already at the next level – Cam McDonald (utility) and Ty Rybarczyk (pitcher) at the University of Illinois and Brant Vanaman (outfielder) now at University of Illinois-Springfield.

“I’m not a big social media guy, but with all the alumni I’ve been hopping on to follow them,” Keegan said. “As a staff we are proud of them all and grateful that they continue to represent Hall at their respective schools.”

Here’s a look at others from the Class of 2021 who move on to college.

Bureau Valley

Kamryn Kolb – The Storm standout will run track at the Div. II level for Lewis University.

Princeton

Jacob Burns – “Burnzy” will play baseball for Rock Valley Community College in Rockford.

Grant Foes – The two-time BCR co-Player of the Year and Tigers lineman will suit up for the Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats football team.

Adam Vigars – The Tigers golfer will tee it up for Kansas Wesleyan University.

Drew Woolley – Another Wesleyan connection sends the PHS graduate to Iowa to play baseball for Iowa Wesleyan University.

Ronde Worrels – The Tigers two-time all-stater will play linebacker for Northern Illinois University.

Taylor Quiram – The Tigresses standout will play basketball at Illinois Valley Community College.

St. Bede

Marissa Boehm – The Lady Bruins catcher will play softball on the Hilltop at Illinois Valley Community College.

Braden Damerell – The Bruins three-sport standout and quarterback will play football for Eureka College.

Gunnar Jauch, Teghan Tillman – The Bruins cagers will stay close to home to hoop for Illinois Valley Community College.

Elaina Wamhoff – The two-time BCR Player of the Year will play volleyball for Albany University.