By Connor O’Malley ‘22

Six students from Brother Rice signed their National Letters of Intent to play college baseball. The six students are Beau Polickey, Jake Fenton, Christian Holmes, Will Flanigan, Nick Daugherty, and Tom Verran. All of them are excited for the years to come and are ready to take baseball to the next level.

Tom Verran signed to the Olivet Nazarene after committing to them for baseball. He likes the school because of the tight knit atmosphere. Tom liked the facilities that the school offered and that the team dominates the CCAC.

“Truly blessed to be able to compete at the next level,” said Verran.

Beau Polickey saw Heartland Community College for the first time and he knew it was the college for him. When he saw the baseball team he loved how good they were and how well he would fit in there. Heartland Community College sends kids to the next level and Beau saw something great about that.

“You miss all the shots you don’t take,” said Beau Polickey about athletes wanting to play at the college level.

Christan Holmes committed to Kansas State because he saw the baseball program, along with the supportive coaching staff. He saw that the coaches and the players bonded well. When looking at the college, he was drawn by it right away and knew it was for him.

Christian Holmes said, “If God is for us, who can be against us.”

Nick Daugherty chose Maryville because when he visited the school, he loved the look of the campus. He built a great relationship with the coach and it felt like home to him. Maryville seems like the best school for him and gave him the best chance to play college baseball.

“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing baseball,” said Daugherty to future athletes.

Will Flanigan chose to sign with Iowa Western Community College, because when he saw it he thought right away that it was the best place for him. He loved the community and the coaches for the baseball team he will be on.

“The facilities are off the charts and it felt like home,” said Flannigan regarding Iowa Western Community College.

Jake Fenton chose Loras College because it is located in a small town with few colleges surrounding it. He likes the size of the campus and loves the business program that goes along with it. He is very excited to play baseball at the next level somewhere that is not that far from home.

Fenton’s words of wisdom to those looking to do the same thing is, “You are only as good as your last result.”

The Crusaders wish these six students luck and hope they can keep advancing at baseball. The school is proud of all of them and is excited to watch them as the years go on. Good luck to Beau Polickey, Jake Fenton, Nick Daugherty, Tom Verran, Will Flanigan, and Christian Holmes.