Category Archives: Baseball

Ricky Romans Letter of Resignation to Pirate Nation

ARSS, Baseball

 

Pirate Nation,

It has truly been a blessing leading the baseball program for the last 17 years. When I was fortunate to be hired in 2004, I never envisioned being the Head Baseball Coach through 2020. There was something about the program, and the community, that allowed me to grow so close so quickly. As an individual that grew up going to school and working in Jeffersonville, I will never forget when asked “why Charlestown?” during my interview. My response was that I believed it was a great opportunity for both of us. All I wanted was a chance to coach the game I have loved since I was a kid. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Hall gave me that opportunity with only one year of high school assistant coaching experience on my resume. Their belief in me fueled me to work hard and do the best I could for Charlestown, which quickly became home to me and my family. We eventually moved to the area and have raised our family here since 2009. I have always believed in loyalty, and Charlestown has shown great loyalty to me through the years. Many changes have occurred within the administration during my tenure, as I have worked for many wonderful people including Principals Dick Johnson, Keith Hedges, Mark Laughner, John Rowland, and Amy Cook. As for Athletic Directors, I have been blessed to work for Tony Hall, David Null, Kim Carroll, and Chad Gilbert. All these individuals have allowed me to grow not only as a coach, but as a person as well. They have treated me with great respect, and I will forever be grateful for their kindness and generosity.

Personally, Charlestown High School helped me through many difficult times in my life. When my mother died in 2006, it was one of the hardest times of my life. Then, in 2016 when I lost my father, followed by my stepfather in 2017, adversity of life struck again. As I told our players, life is challenging at times. Sports are a great release from the real world sometimes, and coaching baseball and being around great people kept me busy during some of the most challenging times in my life. Much of that is due to the help I received from my assistant coaches through the years, which included John Smith, Darren Floyd, Brian Hester, Bryan Roberts, Jim Worley, Bryan Glover, Jeremy Eger, Kyle Craig, Joe Natterman, Chris Nickles, Matt Siler, Chuck Latham, Brian Smith, Josh Romans, and Rick Romans Sr. We had so many wonderful times on and off the ball field together, and I genuinely appreciate all their hard work and commitment to Pirate Baseball.

All good coaches realize that teams start and end with the players. Even though I have a list of players since 2004, I do not want to take a chance on missing someone so I will just say it has truly been an honor coaching each of you. We have had many exciting times, and some challenging and heartbreaking times as well. I am sorry we could not bring more championships to Charlestown, but I will never forget the exciting come from behind victory in the Sectional Championship in 2009 and the Conference Championship in 2015. It was always my goal for you to be successful on the baseball field, but it was more important for me that you turn into great young men. Hopefully, even though you probably did not agree with our decisions at times, you realize that we, the coaches, genuinely care about you. As I now step away, I want to say Thank You for allowing me to be a small part of your development and I truly wish all of you the best in your future. I will always be just a phone call away if you need anything.

Forever a part of the Pirate Family,
Coach Romans

Pirate Baseball’s Andrew Snider Signs with Morehead State University

ARSS, Baseball, Uncategorized

Front (L to R) Laura Snider (Andrew’s mother), Andrew Snider, Justin Snider (Andrew’s father) Back (L to R) Andrew’s Coaches Chris Nickles, Brian Smith, Ricky Romans, Chuck Latham, Zach Burkhardt (trainer), and Jay Sorg

Recently, Charlestown senior baseball player Andrew Snider gathered with family, friends, Pirate teammates to sign his national letter of intent to play baseball at Morehead State University during the 2020-21 season.

Located in the foothills of the Daniel Boone National Forest in Rowan County, Kentucky, Morehead State University (MSU) is a 4-year public university with robust undergraduate and graduate programs, emerging doctoral programs and an emphasis on regional engagement. MSU has 142 undergraduate and 69 graduate degree programs in four colleges: Caudill College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Education; College of Science; and Elmer R. Smith College of Business and Technology. MSU offers associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist and doctoral degrees, as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates to serve just over 10,000 students.

Morehead State University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Ohio Valley Conference, and the Pioneer Football League. In the NCAA, MSU competes at the Division I level in all sports, including the Football Championship Subdivision in football. The University field’s intercollegiate varsity teams for men in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, and outdoor track. The varsity sports for women are basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, indoor and outdoor track, sand volleyball and volleyball. Rifle is a sponsored co-educational sport. 

When asked about his opportunity to play at the next level with the Eagles, Andrew said, “It was a very tough college decision for me. I have been wanting to go to Morehead State since my freshman year and I finally get the chance to go to my dream school. I was so blessed that I had four schools wanting me, so my parents and I sat down and talked about the pros and cons of each one. My dad asked me one day if I was ready to make my decision. I said yes and so that is how I made my decision.” At the signing, coaches and other school officials highlighted Andrew’s work ethic and positive leadership. Andrew intends to major in 

The Charlestown High School athletic department and WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulate Andrew and wish him a healthy and prosperous future as a Morehead State Eagle.

Article and photo contributed by WPMQ, The Pirate Network.

A WPMQ SPECIAL FEATURE: Brandon Broady Tackles Type 1 Diabetes

ARSS, Baseball, Boys Basketball, Boys Tennis, Broadcasting, Pirate Pride

 

A WPMQ SPECIAL FEATURE STORY

Brandon Broady Tackles Type 1 Diabetes

By Lizzie Hill and Sara Abell

Brandon Broady, a sophomore student athlete at Charlestown High School, manages school, three sports, and Type 1 diabetes (T1D). It isn’t every day that a student is dedicated to three sports and equally plays them well. It’s even more rare to find a student who does this and manages an autoimmune disease that could greatly impact his health.

Brandon was diagnosed with T1D in 2017. He first noticed his symptoms when his appetite changed and he began to drink excessive amounts of water. When he first learned of his diagnosis, he was curious because he didn’t really know anything about the disease. Type 1 diabetes is a genetic condition in which the pancreas creates little to no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to allow sugar to enter cells in order to produce energy. This affects blood sugar levels and can cause hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, which are both an influx in blood sugar levels. Both of these effects can have a devastating impact on one’s body and if blood sugar levels aren’t controlled this can lead to other illnesses, including death. Blood sugar levels have a direct impact on strength, speed, stamina, and flexibility. It is important that athletes with diabetes keep a close eye on their health to reach optimal performance.

Brandon has had his hands on a baseball since the age of 3, picked up basketball in 3rd grade, and rounded out his sports with tennis in 6th grade. Playing sports is an important part of Brandon’s life and he won’t let any diagnosis stop him from accomplishing his goals. Type 1 diabetes can have a wide range of effects on one’s performance during various sports so Brandon makes sure to keep a close eye on managing his condition in order to continue physical activities. When active in sports, Brandon tries to balance his blood sugar levels as best as he can in order to reach peak performance with an app on his phone and by human nature. He can easily tell if his blood sugar levels are off because he begins to feel tired, which would be an obvious negative effect to a three-sport athlete like Brandon. His go-to snacks to help his blood sugar levels are peanut butter crackers and Gatorade. He says it’s not scary because he has gotten used to it and it’s just a normal part of his life that he has learned to manage. 

With the diabetes have come some opportunities for Brandon. He serves as a youth ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).  JDRF has led the search for a cure for T1D since its founding in 1970. And just this week he got to listen to a speech by the Big 10 Baseball Coach of the Year, Jeff Mercer, from Indiana University Bloomington talk about playing ball and it really made Brandon feel good to hear him say that he is willing to work with and help those with some type of disability or impairment.  

Brandon says, “ Type 1 diabetes has inspired me to be more healthy because of the consequences it can have on your body later in life.” Managing Type 1 diabetes and keeping up with sports can be hard, but Brandon has proved it’s achievable. He goes on to tell other athletes to,“Stay strong and keep ahead of the game.”

Pirate Baseball’s Brady Latham signs to play at Kentucky Wesleyan University

ARSS, Baseball, Uncategorized

On Thursday evening, Brady Latham gathered with coaches, family, friends, and teammates to sign his national letter of intent to play baseball at Kentucky Wesleyan College during the 2019-20 season.

Kentucky Wesleyan College is located in Owensboro, Kentucky just 40 minutes east of Evansville, Indiana, 2 hours west of Louisville, Kentucky. KWC offers 29 majors and 13 pre-professional curriculums.

The Kentucky Wesleyan College athletic department sponsors 21 (11 men / 10 women) varsity sports, competing at the NCAA Division II level. Known as the Panthers, Kentucky Wesleyan is a founding member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), a conference comprised of institutions in Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, and West Virginia. NCAA Division II operates on a partial-scholarship model, and athletic scholarships are awarded at Kentucky Wesleyan at the discretion of each head coach.

When asked about his opportunity to play at the next level with the Panthers, Brady said, “Being able to sign with Kentucky Wesleyan is a blessing. I’ve worked so hard to be where I am and for this opportunity to be presented to be is a dream come true. I’ve been through a lot in my athletic career and I couldn’t be any more thankful and appreciative for the support system that I have behind me especially with my parents. As soon as I went on my visit and met with Coach Lillpop, I fell in love with the school and the program.  I couldn’t be any happier where I am at this point in my life and I am very excited for the future to come. I am forever grateful to have all the people in my life that I do. So thank you all!”

Charlestown Pirate coach Ricky Romans said, “I couldn’t be more proud of Brady for the hard work the he has put in during his time with us. He has earned this opportunity and there is no doubt in my mind that he will succeed at Kentucky Wesleyan.  I look forward to watching him improve this year and contribute at the next level.”

The Charlestown High School athletic department and WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulate Brady and wish him a healthy and prosperous future as a Kentucky Wesleyan College Panther.

Article and photo contributed by WPMQ, The Pirate Network.

 

Annual Pirate Baseball Chili Supper & Auction March 10th

Baseball

The annual Charlestown Pirate Baseball Chili Supper & Auction, to benefit the Pirate Baseball program, will be held Saturday, March 10th at the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church.  Pleasant Ridge Church is located at 301 Gospel Road, just two blocks from Hwy. 403 in Charlestown.  The event will kick-off at 5:30 pm with a bowl of chili, dessert and drink for $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children (10 and under).  $1 Hot Dogs will also be available.  Chili Supper tickets will be sold in advance and at the door on March 10th.  Doors open at 5:00 pm, dinner begins at 5:30 pm, a guest speaker will begin at 6:30 pm, and the live auction is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm.  All proceeds from this event benefit the Charlestown High School Pirate Baseball program.  Auction items donations are welcome, as well as any questions, just contact CHS Head Baseball Coach Ricky Romans at 502-641-2883.

Pirate Sluggers Upset Brownstown 2-1

Baseball

BaseballCaptureCharlestown Pirate Baseball hosted their MSC rivals from Brownstown Thursday evening to close out conference play for the season.  The game, originally scheduled for May 11th had been rescheduled due to wet field conditions, proved that this year’s young Pirate Slugger team have potential to be a sleeper opponent in next week’s sectional.  Sophomore Brendan Brainard (3-0) got the call tonight, pitching seven complete innings, earning the win after walking two and striking one out, while the Pirate defense equalized five Brave hits.  Brownstown (14-6 & 6-3 MSC) scored one run in the top of the second, before being denied home plate the remainder of the game.  Brave pitcher Maxie (4-1), recorded his first lose of the season while visiting Charlestown (7-16 & 3-6 MSC) Thursday evening; as both team logged two errors each.  The Pirates tied the game in the bottom of the sixth, but found a hero in Junior Jacob Doherty who finished the game 1-2 at the plate including a double and the game winning run in the bottom of the seventh.  “Couldn’t be more proud of the guys for the heart and effort tonight.  We didn’t play mistake free but they showed a ton of heart and that’s what matters most.  Brendan pitched exceptionally well and gave our team a chance.  This was a quality win for our young ball club”, commented a pleased Pirate Head Coach Ricky Romans.  The Pirates will travel to and compete in the Bedford-North Lawrence Invitational Saturday, before opening Sectional play Wednesday versus Sectional host Silver Creek.

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