Charlestown High School is pleased to announce the hiring of Aaron Daniel as its new Head Football Coach. Coach Daniel brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the program.
Daniel has an impressive background in football that Charlestown faithful will be familiar with. During his 2009-2012 career as a Pirate he broke multiple school records, most notably the All Time Passing record and the record for Most Career Passing & Rushing Yards combined. Beyond his playing days as a Pirate standout, Daniel spent a year in the Indiana University football program.
Daniel has spent the past nine seasons at Bloomington South where he served four of those as a wide receivers coach and five as an offensive coordinator. He helped lead the Panthers to eight sectional championships and four semi-state appearances.
Coach Daniel expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “My family and I are excited for the opportunity to lead and work with a great community in Charlestown. Daniel will bring his wife (Taylor) and two children (Weston-3 years old and Austyn-4 months old) with him back to the community.
Charlestown High School welcomes the Daniel family and looks forward to all that he will bring to our historic football program.
Charlestown High School senior Hannah Burns was recently joined by family, friends, and coaches to sign a celebratory letter of intent to attend school and play softball at Illinois Wesleyan University in the fall.
Located in Bloomington, Illinois on 86 beautifully city-scaped acres, Illinois Wesleyan is a nationally recognized, exclusively undergraduate, independent, private university. When colleges are stacked up based on what they do for the world, Illinois Wesleyan University is #5 in the nation among four-year baccalaureate institutions – a Washington Monthly ranking that looks at contribution to the public good. Illinois Wesleyan University ranks #7 in the nation and #1 in Illinois on Zippia’s 2023 list of The Best Colleges for Getting a Job, based on Department of Education College Scorecard data.
With over 100 areas of study, including majors, minors, concentrations & programs, with an undergraduate 11:1 student–faculty ratio, an average class size of eighteen students, and 95% of full-time students receiving financial aid with a 59% acceptance rate.
The IWU Titans compete at the NCAA Division III level in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) conference with member schools: Augustana College (Rock Island, IL), Carroll University (Waukesha, WI), Carthage College (Kenosha, WI), Elmhurst University (Elmhurst, IL), Millikin University (Decatur, IL), North Central College (Naperville, IL), North Park University (Chicago, IL), and Wheaton College (Wheaton, IL).
The Illinois Wesleyan Titans Softball program has boasted a 1134-591-3 record in its 47 year program history with sixteen conference tournament titles, twenty NCAA Tournament appearances, and a national runner up billing.
Burns will major in nursing at Illinois Wesleyan University. When asked about her choice to attend school there and play softball, she replied “I chose Illinois Wesleyan because from the moment I stepped on campus it felt like home. Coach Prager and Coach Miller are such amazing people and made me feel like I fit right in. They have given me the opportunity to carry out my childhood dream and I am truly grateful. Additionally, I get the opportunity to attend one of the top nursing programs in the state. Everything about Illinois Wesleyan left me speechless. Since the moment I stepped foot on campus, I knew that this was the place I was meant to be and I am so excited to see where the journey takes me! “
Charlestown softball coach Joe Witten shared his sentiments on Burns saying, “If you have a chance to build a team from scratch, you would start with Hannah Burns. The first thing you would recognize about her is her work ethic. She never cuts corners. Holds her teammates accountable. She leads by example and is positive in every aspect of her life. Willing to take a challenge and improve no matter what the situation is. She wins because she does things the right way. Good things happen to good people. Her best days are ahead of her.”
WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulates Hannah and wishes her a healthy and prosperous future as a Illinois Wesleyan University Titan.
Recently, Charlestown High School senior Aiden Stewart was joined by family, friends, and coaches as she became the first in the Pirates’ Class of 2025 to sign a celebratory letter of intent to attend school and play softball at Piedmont University next year.
Located in Demorest, Georgia and nestled on 300 beautifully wooded acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Piedmont’s main campus lies just minutes from the Chattahoochee River and about an hour each way to Athens and Atlanta. Students at Piedmont University are fortunate to live in one of the finest outdoor recreation areas in the U.S. and can enjoy hiking and camping in several nearby state and federal parks, get away from it all on the nearby Appalachian Trail and the Chattahoochee National Forest, or enjoy all a big city has to offer within an hour’s drive.
Piedmont University has 80 programs of study, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, and the education specialist degree, with an undergraduate 10:1 student–faculty ratio, an average class size of ten students, and 99% of full-time students receiving financial aid with a 64% acceptance rate.
The Piedmont Lions compete at the NCAA Division III level in the Collegiate Conference of the South with member schools in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee including Agnes Scott College (GA), Asbury University (KY), Belhaven University (MS), Covenant College (GA), Huntingdon College (AL), LaGrange College (GA), Maryville College (TN), and Wesleyan College (MS). Piedmont is home to twenty two varsity sports for men and women. Piedmont University has earned three consecutive NCAA DIII Commissioners Cups which are given to top athletic program in USA South.
The Piedmont Lions Softball program has boasted a 511-281 record in its 20 year NCAA era with ten divisional titles, six conference tournament titles, and nine NCAA Tournament appearances under the same head coach.
Stewart will major in biology/chemistry with a concentration in marine science at Piedmont University. Ironically, the science building is named Stewart Hall. When asked about her choice to attend school there and play softball, she replied “I chose Piedmont for the home away from home feeling. Coaches Martin, Greer, and Whiteside have offered me the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing collegiate softball while also inviting me into a community of Christ where I can lead and build relationships with those around me. Additionally, I’ll be able to study biology in ways I didn’t know I could do. From the moment I stepped on campus to the non-traditional route of recruitment, and seeing so many signs of what feels like divine intervention, I knew Piedmont was the place for me and I can’t wait to begin my journey there and see where it leads me in this life!”
Charlestown softball coach Joe Witten shared his sentiments on Stewart saying, “Homerun-Goal-Touchdown-Score- Slam Dunk” : Piedmont tallies a winner! When I first met Aiden as a freshman, I was immediately drawn to her ability to ascertain what my message in class and to the team was very quickly. She has an instinctive ability to absorb information and then apply it much faster than nearly everyone her age. This is a real eye catcher for a coach and one that easily leads people without delay. She makes her day full of information, knowledge, and grit. Then she delivers on time as very few can these days. I am so fortunate and blessed to have had her briefly play a role through my life during these past few years. I can’t wait to see her name and her leadership forge these new waters as she continues to row the boat down south for her hometown, where it all began, as a Charlestown Pirate.”
WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulates Aiden and wishes her a healthy and prosperous future as a Piedmont University Lion.
Recently, Charlestown baseball’s Dallas Crace 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 Crace with CHS Baseball Assistant Collin Rauck, IUC’s Head Baseball Coach Scott Bickell, and CHS Baseball Head Coach Brian Hester.
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.
Crace told WPMQ when asked about his choice to attend school and play baseball there, “I knew IUC was the place for me. I love what Coach Bickel has started there and want to be a part of it.” He will major in accounting.
Charlestown baseball head coach Brian Hester shared his sentiments on Crace’s decision and said, “Dallas Crace has shown his ability to compete at the next level. He has the desire to compete against any team. He has proven that he has the pitches and control to keep any team off balance. IUC will be getting a player that will never quit.”
WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulates Dallas and wishes him a healthy and prosperous future at Indiana University-Columbus.
Contributed by WPMQ, The Pirate Network staff member Ethan French
Seated L to R: Nikki Berkley (Devin’s mother), Devin, and Jonathan Berkley (Devin’s father); Standing: Coach Jason Hawkins
Recently in the presence of family, friends, and coaches, Charlestown senior Devin Berkley signed his celebratory letter of intent to attend school and play football at Indiana Wesleyan University in the fall.
Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christian comprehensive university of The Wesleyan Church. It is the largest private college in Indiana, based on enrollment, and is one of the largest employers in Grant County. Nearly 3,000 students are enrolled in traditional programs on the University’s 350 acre campus in Marion where more than 80 undergraduate degrees and an expanding list of graduate degree programs are offered.
Indiana Wesleyan is home to intercollegiate programs in baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, cheer, men’s and women’s cross country, football, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s swimming, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s track and field, men’s and women’s bowling and volleyball.
When asked about his choice to play at IWU with the Wildcats, Berkley-who will major in criminal justice-replied, “I chose IWU because of the Godly and family environment. It embodies a lot of the values that I feel represent me. IWU is a place that felt like home on the first visit.”
Charlestown football head coach Jason Hawkins shared his sentiments on Berkley’s commitment and said, “Devin is a great kid that has worked extremely hard for this to happen. He will continue to grow as a player and person and be someone we can all be proud of. ”
WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulates Devin and wishes him a healthy and prosperous future as a IWU Wildcat.
Seated L to R: Brandon Broady (CHS Baseball Class of 2022/ current Jackson College RHP and Nick’s Brother), Wendy Broady (Nick’s Mother), Nick, and James Broady (Nick’s Father)
Standing L to R: George Roberts (CHS Baseball Assistant Coach), Scott Bickel (IUS Baseball Head Coach), Brian Hester (CHS Baseball Head Coach), Brian Meyer (CHS Baseball Assistant Coach), and Collin Rauck (CHS Baseball Assistant Coach)
Charlestown baseball senior Nick Broady was joined by family, coaches, and teammates as he signed his celebratory letter of intent to attend school and play baseball at Indiana University-Columbus next fall.
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 play at IUC with the Crimson Pride, Broady-who will major in physical therapy-replied, “Playing baseball at the college level has always been a dream of mine. IU Columbus is a perfect fit for me. I love what Coach Bickel and Zach McClellan have started there and I’m excited to be able to help build and put my mark on this program.”
Charlestown baseball head coach Brian Hester shared his sentiments on Broady’s commitment and said, “I have had the pleasure of coaching Nick for his high school years. He has never been a player who would shy away from hard work. He has developed a passion for the game of baseball that is contagious to the ones around him. Nick’s athleticism, his core values, and his foundation of being a good person will make him very successful in whatever he pursues. I look forward to watching him grow throughout his collegiate career.”
WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulates Nick and wishes him a healthy and prosperous future at Indiana University-Columbus.
Seated L to R: John Kinser (Kaylee’s father), Kaylee, Heather Kinser (Kaylee’s mother) ; Standing L to R: Mikeala Kinser (Kaylee’s sister-in-law), John Kinser (Kaylee’s brother), Jerry Doyle (CHS Cross Country & Track Coach), and Dylan Kinser (Kaylee’s brother)
Recently, Charlestown senior Kaylee Kinser was surrounded by family, friends, and coaches as she signed her celebratory letter of intent to attend school and run cross country and track 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 her choice to attend school, major in computer science, and participate in athletics at Hanover College with the Panthers, Kinser replied, “In choosing where I wanted to attend college, I found that Hanover stood out to me. Getting to know the college and its cross country program, I felt more at home than anywhere else. The college is a tight-knit community that fosters a unique bond between students and faculty, which I deeply appreciate. Hanover just checked off all the boxes I set for where I wanted to go. I’m immensely thankful for my family, coaches, and teachers who have supported me; I wouldn’t be where I am without them. I’m thrilled to embark on this journey to further my academic and athletic career at Hanover!”
Charlestown cross country and track coach Jerry Doyle had this to say: “It has been a joy coaching Kaylee for the last 4 years in both cross country and track. She is one of the all-time best runners in Charlestown’s history! She sets goals, and then does the necessary work to reach those goals! She is an example of hard work and dedication that the underclassmen can look to if they want to be successful. I look forward to watching her excel at the next level, but we will definitely miss her!”
WPMQ, The Pirate Network congratulates Kaylee and wishes her a healthy and prosperous future as a Hanover College Panther.
Article contributed by WPMQ Staff Member Trenton Doss
