Belpre senior Chris Copen has officially committed to continuing his baseball career at the collegiate level, signing a National Letter of Intent to play for West Virginia Wesleyan. Copen, a talented pitcher and versatile infielder, will be trading in his Golden Eagle uniform for the Bobcats' colors as he embarks on the next chapter of his athletic journey.

Discovering His Calling: Copen's Path to West Virginia Wesleyan

Familial Inspiration and a Sense of Home

Chris Copen's decision to attend West Virginia Wesleyan was heavily influenced by his older brother, Patrick, who found success as a standout pitcher at Marshall University and was eventually selected in the MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Witnessing his brother's achievements fueled Copen's own aspirations to play college baseball, and the Belpre senior knew he had found the right fit when he visited the Wesleyan campus."I visited twice, and the first time I was just blown away by how nice the campus was and how everything was so close together," Copen recalled. "I really felt at home there, and that was a big part of my decision. I got to hang out with the team and the coaches, and I just knew this was the place for me."

Excelling on the Mound and at the Plate

Copen's impressive performances on the mound and in the field during his high school career have made him a highly sought-after recruit. As a sophomore, he compiled a 4-2 record with a 2.13 earned-run average, showcasing his ability to dominate opposing hitters. His junior season was even more impressive, as he posted a 1.59 ERA with 59 strikeouts in 44 innings, despite a 1-6 record.In addition to his prowess on the mound, Copen has also proven to be a valuable asset at the plate. As a junior, he batted .262 with five doubles, a triple, a home run, and 12 runs-batted-in, demonstrating his well-rounded skill set.

Unwavering Dedication and Teamwork

Copen's success on the diamond is a testament to his unwavering dedication and commitment to the sport. He credits his coaches, particularly his father Curt Copen, Zac Carte, and Chad Porter, for playing a significant role in his development and helping him achieve his dream of playing college baseball."I try my hardest in everything I do, no matter what it is — school, sports, being a brother," Copen said. "I've always got to look out for everybody. I'm a great teammate. I just put everything out there when I can."

Facing Off Against Top Talent

Copen's ability to rise to the occasion against elite competition has further solidified his status as a top-tier prospect. Last spring, he went toe-to-toe with Warren ace Trent Taylor, who now pitches at Glenville State, allowing just two hits and striking out 11 batters in a narrow 1-0 loss.This performance showcased Copen's poise and determination, as he refused to be intimidated by the challenge of facing a talented opponent. His willingness to compete at the highest level has undoubtedly caught the attention of the West Virginia Wesleyan coaching staff, who are eager to welcome him to their program.

Embracing the Next Chapter

As Copen prepares to don the Bobcats' uniform, he is filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. The opportunity to continue his baseball career at the collegiate level is a dream come true, and he is determined to make the most of it."It's really special," Copen said. "Ever since I saw my older brother go to Marshall and eventually get drafted, it's always been a really big dream for me."With his unwavering work ethic, versatile skill set, and the support of his family and coaches, Chris Copen is poised to make a significant impact at West Virginia Wesleyan. As he embarks on this new chapter, the Belpre community will be cheering him on, eager to see what the future holds for this talented young athlete.