Charlestown’s Lex Rose to Continue Baseball Career at IU Columbus

Charlestown baseball’s Lex Rose was joined by family, coaches, friends, and teammates last week to witness and him signing his celebratory letter of intent to attend school and play baseball at Indiana University-Columbus next fall. Pictured is Rose with his parents Tim and Emilee Rose, CHS Assistant Coach Matt French, CHS Baseball Head Coach Brian Hester, and CHS Assistant Coach Collin Rauck.

IUC is surrounded by the architectural beauty of Columbus, Indiana on a fifteen acre campus. The school of just over a thousand embraces collaborative ways of thinking that attract exceptional students and faculty for ten Bachelor’s Degree programs and three Master’s Degree programs.

The Indiana University – Columbus (IUPUC, known as the Crimson Pride, competes in four intercollegiate varsity sports in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily as a member of the River States Conference (RSC) as of this school year. Men’s sports include baseball, cross country, and soccer; while women’s sports include cross country, soccer, softball, and volleyball.

When asked about his choice to attend school and play baseball at IUC, Rose told WPMQ, “I chose IU Columbus because it’s the perfect fit for me academically and athletically. It felt like a place where I can truly succeed, and the coaching staff showed real confidence in my potential. I want to thank God, my family, and all my past coaches for pushing me and helping grow along the way. I’m excited to grow, compete, and represent IU Columbus, and I can’t wait to make the most of what’s ahead.”

Lex came to CHS during his Junior year and earned team MVP.  He hit .390. In twenty-five games he had thirty hits, nine doubles, three triples, and twenty-eight runs scored.  On the mound,he was 4-1 with a 2.154 ERA.

Charlestown baseball head coach Brian Hester shared this: “We are so proud of Lex Rose for his commitment to continue his baseball career at Indiana University Columbus! Lex has been a leader on and off the field, setting the standard for what it means to be part of our program. Excited to watch him continue to grow and succeed at the next level. Congratulations to Lex and his family.”

WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulates Lex and wishes him a healthy and prosperous future at Indiana University-Columbus.

Photo contributed by WPMQ, The Pirate Network staff member Boomer Hester.

Pirate Baseball’s Andrew Varble Signs with IU-Columbus

Recently, Charlestown baseball’s Andrew Varble was joined by family, coaches, friends, and teammates to witness and him signing his celebratory letter of intent to attend school and play baseball at Indiana University-Columbus next fall. Pictured is Varble with his parents David and Stephanie Varble, CHS Assistant Coach Matt French, CHS Baseball Head Coach Brian Hester, and CHS Assistant Coach Collin Rauck.

IUC is surrounded by the architectural beauty of Columbus, Indiana on a fifteen acre campus. The school of just over a thousand embraces collaborative ways of thinking that attract exceptional students and faculty for ten Bachelor’s Degree programs and three Master’s Degree programs.

The Indiana University – Columbus (IUPUC, known as the Crimson Pride, competes in four intercollegiate varsity sports in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily as a member of the River States Conference (RSC) as of this school year. Men’s sports include baseball, cross country, and soccer; while women’s sports include cross country, soccer, softball, and volleyball.

Varble told WPMQ when asked about his choice to attend school, major in nursing, and play baseball there, “I chose IU Columbus because I know it’s a place that will help shape my future both academically and athletically. The confidence the coaching staff has in me meant a lot, and the support from my family made the choice even clearer. I really connected with the campus and the coaches made it feel like a program where I can grow and be challenged. I’m grateful for everyone who has been a part of my journey so far, and I believe IU Columbus will give me that same family atmosphere. I’m excited for what’s ahead and ready to make my loved ones proud. ”

Charlestown baseball head coach Brian Hester shared his sentiments on Varble’s decision and said, “The Charlestown High School Baseball program congratulates Andrew Varble on his commitment to continue his academic and athletic career at Indiana University Columbus! Although new to our program, we’re proud to celebrate this exciting achievement with him and his family. Wishing Andrew all the best as he takes this next step in his baseball journey!”

Varble made the tough decision to transfer to Charlestown from Southwestern (Hanover) this school year due to family circumstances. Southwestern Coach Dan Thurston was in attendance for the signing and had well wishes for Varble he shared. ” I am extremely happy for Andrew Varble and his opportunity to play at the next level. Andrew led us in on base percentage and was second in batting average, doubles, and RBI’s. He played a quality defensive outfield and was our back-up catcher. One thing is for certain, Andrew will work extremely hard to be successful on the diamond and in the classroom. We sure wish we had him back at Southwestern, but wish him nothing but success at Charlestown and at IUC.”

WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulates Andrew and wishes him a healthy and prosperous future at Indiana University-Columbus.

Photo contributed by WPMQ, The Pirate Network staff member Boomer Hester.

PIRATE WINTER SPORTS SCHEDULES

The winter season is here, and our Pirates are ready to compete! Mark your calendars and come show your Pirate pride at CHS athletic events! Also, go to the Facebook pages linked below and follow each for more news and information!

Charlestown High School Athletic Department

Charlestown Pirates Basketball

Charlestown Lady Pirates Basketball

Charlestown High School Swim Team

Charlestown pirate wrestling

*All schedules are subject to change. Please follow us here for updates.

CHS SAIL Team is Hosting an Online Auction

🎉 IT’S AUCTION TIME! 🎉

The CHS SAIL (Scholar Athlete Innovative Leaders) Team is hosting a 🔥 Silent Online Basket Auction 🔥 to benefit the Crusade for Children and the CHS SAIL Scholarship Fund!

🎁 Every CHS athletic team, cheer squad, band, WPMQ, and the athletic department has donated awesome themed baskets—now it’s your chance to BID & WIN while supporting a great cause!

🫶 Not into bidding? Drop a ❤️ on the Crusade for Children or SAIL Team logo to make a donation!

🕒 Auction is OPEN NOW through Noon EST, Friday, May 16!

🏆 Winners announced that day.

📍 Pickup at CHS by May 20 (7:30 AM – 3:15 PM) or make arrangements.

💵 Payment: Cash or check (payable to Charlestown High School, memo: SAIL Team).

📩 Questions? Email Melissa Stewart at: mstewart@gccschools.com

👇 HOW TO BID 👇

✅ Go to the post on the WPMQ Facebook page and comment on the basket photo with your bid:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ARxkwFre9

⛔ No edited comments

💲 Start at listed minimum

🔼 Increase bids by at least $5

🚫 No payment = item goes to next highest bidder

📦 All sales final

Let’s show up big—IT’S FOR THE KIDS! 💙

CHS SAIL Team to Host SS Pirate Night

Ahoy, mateys!

Shiver me timbers! Join the scurvy dogs o’ the CHS SAIL Team (Scholar Athlete Innovative Leaders) at Charlestown High School for the maiden voyage o’ our SS Pirate Night! We’re gatherin’ the whole bloomin’ community to hoist the colors for Spring Sports, plunder some grub from six fine food galleons, and have a treasure trove o’ fun for young and old alike.

Come lend yer voices to cheer on our swashbucklin’ teams—baseball, softball, and tennis will be battlin’ on their home waters, starting at the fifth hour o’ the evenin’ (that’s 5:00 PM for ye landlubbers).

Got a chest o’ wares ye be lookin’ to peddle? We’d be thrilled to have ye aboard! Send a message in a bottle (or an email) to Melissa Stewart at mstewart@gccschools.com for more details, savvy?

What we’re saying is come join us for SS Pirate Night tomorrow May 15th, watch some spring sports, and enjoy any or all of the six food trucks who’ll be on site! And if you’re a vendor with product to sell, contact Melissa Stewart to set up!

Schoenbachler to Join Inaugural Women’s Golf Team at IU Southeast in the Fall

Surrounded by family, teammates, and coaches, Emma Schoenbachler recently signed her celebratory letter of intent to continue her education and play women’s golf for Indiana University Southeast.

Indiana University Southeast, a regional campus of Indiana University, is a four-year, public, comprehensive university located in New Albany, Indiana, just across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in 1941, it provides high-quality educational programs and services that promote student learning and prepare students for productive citizenship in a diverse society, and that contribute to the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our region. IU Southeast competes at the NAIA level in the River States Conference and is currently home to nine varsity sports, but announced in October of 2024 that they would be adding men’s and women’s golf in the fall of 2025.

Schoenbachler will be part of the inaugural team to take the links for the Grenadiers. The team will consist of approximately 10 student-athletes. Their seasons are comprised of a fall non-championship season consisting of three to four tournaments and a championship season in the spring with seven to eight additional tournaments. Their home courses will be Covered Bridge Golf Club in Sellersburg and Champions Pointe Golf Club in Henryville.

Schoenbachler is a two year member of the Lady Pirate golf team. She was recently accepted into the Pre-Nursing Program at IUS on her way to becoming a NICU Registered Nurse. When asked about her decision to attend school and play golf for the Grenadiers, she responded: “After visiting several universities, IUS felt big enough to experience university life living on campus, but small enough to feel like home. They have a phenomenal nursing program, and the announcement of the women’s golf team just sealed the deal. I can’t wait to continue my nursing pathway and be part of this exciting new golf program.”

CHS Golf Coach Adam Tolliver expressed his congratulations stating, “I am so proud of and excited for Emma to be able to play on the first IUS Girls Golf Team. To be able to witness Emma’s confidence and passion for golf grow over the last few seasons has been amazing and a highlight of my coaching career. She went from having never swung a club to being able to sign with a college team in two years and this clearly shows the dedication and determination Emma has. I know those characteristics will continue to serve her well in both golf and in her life and I am excited to see where her journey will take her. So, on behalf of our CHS Golf Team, we wish Emma congratulations and the best of luck.”

IUS Golf Coach Matt Graston added that he is “Looking forward to the opportunity to coach Emma. She is a hard worker and a solid player who is dedicated to working on her game. She will bring leadership on and off the course.”

WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulates Emma and wishes her a healthy and prosperous future as an Indiana University Southeast Grenadier.

Article contributed by WPMQ, The Pirate Network.

WPMQ Releases Winter Sports Alumni Alert

ALUMNI ALERT! 

While the winter sports season has ended and we prepare for the spring, we want to provide you with a recap of our Pirate Alumni who participated in intercollegiate athletics this past winter.

Below each athlete’s picture is a season or career recap (provided by what stats and news were available through the school’s website).

Caleb Brown – Indiana University Southeast Basketball

The Grenadier senior finished his career after playing in 127 games. He averaged 21 minutes per game and recorded 586 points, 199 rebounds, 62 assists, 7 blocks, and 54 steals in his four years. IUS made it to the championship game of the River States Conference Tournament where they fell to #1 seed St. Mary’s of the Woods, but they received an at-large bid to the NAIA National Tournament, where they lost in the first round to the overall #1 seed Freed-Hardeman University who has advanced to the NAIA Final Four. The Grenadiers ended their season with a 13-18 record. 

Kennedy Coleman – Marian University Basketball

The Marian freshman appeared in two games for the Knights. The Knights made the championship game of the Crossroads League Tournament where they lost by six to 4th ranked Indiana Wesleyan University but they received an at-large bid to the NAIA tournament. The third-seeded Marian women’s basketball fought a tough fight in the NAIA National Tournament Quarterfinals against the reigning National Champions Dordt falling 82-61. The Knights ended their season with an overall record of 27-8. 

Laney Hawkins – Olney Central University Basketball

The Lady Knights sophomore started in 27 of 28 games this season and finished the season with 232 points, 85 rebounds, 32 steals, 56 assists, and 4 blocks. OCU advanced to the National Junior College Athletic Association Region 24 Tournament Semi-Finals before falling to Wabash Valley College.   Hawkins will leave a two-year career at the junior college to continue at NAIA Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, Indiana. 

Brooklyn Henson – Indiana University Southeast Cheer

Brooklyn Henson – Indiana University Southeast Cheer
Henson and her IUS cheer teammates won “The Cheer Limited Open College National competition” on Saturday, March 21, 2025, marking their first national title in any athletic event.

Tatum McFarland – Indiana University Columbus Basketball

McFarland appeared in 15 games for the IUC Crimson Pride this season where she averaged 5.3 points, 1.5 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and .4 steals per game. The very young Crimson Pride finished the season 2-25 but will return everyone with experience to build upon since there wasn’t a single junior or senior on the team.

Maddie Nipper – Midway University Basketball

The Eagle freshman appeared in 23 games. She recorded 48 points, 14 assists, 22 rebounds, and 10 steals. Midway finished the season with a 16-13 record and a loss to Brecia in the River States Conference Quarterfinals .

And as a reminder, be sure to follow other alumni participating in college sports this spring:

Research provided by the WPMQ sportscasting class and article provided by Aiden Stewart

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