Coach Rodgers Inducted into IHSBC Hall of Fame

 

Coach Dave Rodgers inducted into IHSBC Hall of Fame

Coach Dave Rodgers was inducted in the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame on Saturday, January 26, 2013.  Coach Rodgers has served as an assistant coach at Normal West for the past six seasons, working with the pitching staff.   During that time, the Wildcats have an overall record of 166-55 and have won 4 conference championships and 3 regional crowns.  The 2012 pitching staff compiled a school record 1.87 ERA with seven different pitchers winning more than 2 games.

Coach Rodgers was recognized for over 25 years of coaching baseball at East Peoria High school, as well as many years of summer baseball there.  The high school baseball field at East Side Centre in East Peoria is named in honor of Coach Rodgers as well.

 

Wildcats sign their letters of intent

 

Matthew James,  Adam McGinnis and Alex Jefferson recently signed their letters of intent to play baseball at Division 1 programs next year.  Matthew will play at University of Illinois, Adam will play at Western Illinois University and Alex will play at Missouri State.  A very nice signing ceremony, a baseball team tradition, was held in the library at Normal West in front of friends and family.

 

Matthew James commits to University of Illinois

Matthew James

 

Wildcat junior Matthew James has orally committed to the University of Illinois to continue to baseball career after high school.  James decision came down to the Illini and the University of Iowa, with his desire to pitch and play the field being a strong factor in the final determination.  For a full story, check out Randy Kindred’s article in the Pantagraph