Yesterday afternoon Charlestown senior Matthew McCoy was joined by family, coaches, and teammates as he signed his celebratory letter of intent to attend school and play baseball at Hanover College next year.

Nestled in 650 acres of a wooded campus and located on the banks of the scenic Ohio River, Hanover College is a private, liberal arts institution where brains and beauty truly intersect. Their rigorous interdisciplinary academic program with 34 majors attracts the best and the brightest from across the region and beyond.

Hanover College competes at the NCAA Division III level in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference, including Anderson University, Bluffton University (Ohio), Defiance College (Ohio), Earlham College, Franklin College, Hanover College, Manchester University, Mount St. Joseph University (Ohio), Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology & Transylvania University (Ky.) Hanover is home to twenty varsity sports including men’s and women’s basketball,  cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, track and field, men’s baseball, football and swimming, and women’s softball and volleyball.

When asked about his choice to play at Hanover College with the Panthers, McCoy replied, “Playing baseball at the next level has always been a dream of mine. Hanover gave me a chance to fulfill this dream. Not only does Hanover have a top tier program, but the academics and the environment is outstanding. Coach Bellak has been very helpful with the process of my future and my family and I are truly grateful for that. I look forward to playing for Coach Bellak and being a part of Panther baseball.”

New Charlestown baseball Brian Hester has not yet had the chance to coach McCoy as he is also a basketball player and hasn’t been able to attend pre-season workouts, but he has watched McCoy through the years of Charlestown baseball and had this to say: “Matthew is part of the strong foundation of all the good things about Charlestown baseball. He has the passion, desire, and work ethic to be great not only in baseball but as a member of society. Hanover will not only be gaining a quality baseball player but also an outstanding human being.”

Coach Jay Sorg, a long time hitting coach of McCoy’s, told those in attendance at the signing, “I am so happy for Matthew and his family. This is a great fit. Hanover is getting a great player and better person. I have had the privilege of seeing Matthew grow both on and off the field since he was a young kid. In all those years I believe this off season has been his biggest jump. He is ready to have a huge high school season and impactful college career. Words can not do justice on how proud I am of Matthew.”

WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulates Matthew (a 4th year member of the Radio and Television program) and wishes him a healthy and prosperous future as a Hanover College Panther.

Article contributed by WPMQ, The Pirate Network staff member Gracie Snell.