By Mark Schmerling

Polk County High School baseball fans will have one more season to watch hard-hitting, slick-fielding third baseman Wes Brady, before he takes his talents to play for Lenoir Rhyne University, in Hickory, N.C.

When he does, he’ll be one of four PCHS graduates playing college ball at the same time, matching last spring’s total.

Brady made it official last week, when he signed his intent to play for Lenoir Rhyne.

Last spring, Brady’s .393 batting average, .493 on-base percentage, .574 slugging average and his sure-handed play at third, helped guide the Wolverines to a 14-9 regular-season record, and a 12-2 mark in Western Highlands Conference, where Polk finished second. His slugging included eight doubles, a home run and 17 RBI.

Brady is excited about studying at, and playing ball for, Lenoir Rhyne.

“I love it (there),” he said. “I’ll miss high school, but it’s good to be moving on.”

Former teammate, pitcher-shortstop Alec Philpott, was a big influence on Brady’s choice of college. Philpott, a 2013 PCHS graduate, signed to play football at L.R.

Four PCHS graduates currently playing college baseball are Danny Fraga (PCHS 2010), a shortstop at Pembroke University; Lucas Cash (2011), who pitches at Catawba Valley Community College, and who pitched for the Forest City Owls this past summer; Roberto Taft (2012), a pitcher at Belmont-Abbey; and Joel Booker, who graduated from Polk in 2012, and who plays for Iowa Western Community College.

When Fraga graduates, Brady will keep that number at four.

“To have four actually playing is pretty nice,” mused Wolverines’ coach Ty Stott.

“Wes has matured, Stott continued.” He’s played every day. He’s the kind who will really enjoy it (playing baseball).”

“We are definitely excited,” said Brady’s mother, Nancy Brady. “He’s put a lot of hard work into it. I’m thrilled that he’s playing in college.”

Noting that Brady has become a more complete hitter, with fine fielding skills, Stott is happy to have his big third baseman for another season.

“I’ve got him for one more year,” Stott smiled.