GLEN CARBON - Ty Etcheson, an infielder and pitcher for the baseball team at Father McGivney Catholic High School, has signed a letter of intent to play baseball in the spring of 2027 at John Wood Community College in Quincy.
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He is a Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Male Athlete of the Month for the Griffins.
Etcheson had a very good season for the Griffins in helping the team to a 38-4 record, losing in the IHSA Class 1A state championship game to Ottawa Marquette Catholic 6-5 at Illinois Field in Champaign-Urbana. He hit .309 with no home runs and 17 RBIs, going 21-for-58 at the plate, drawing 12 walks, striking out 16 times, and also made eight appearances on the mound, having no record, but had a 2.63 ERA, only allowing three hits while walking nine and fanning nine as McGivney had another great season.
In his post-ceremony interview, Etcheson said he decided to go the JUCO route, and especially to John Wood, to further develop his skills as a baseball player.
"Well, now, with the rule where we keep our (NCAA) eligibility after JUCO," Etcheson said, "so I wanted to go there and develop a little bit, then go to a university after that."
He was attracted to the school after visiting with head coach Adam Hightower and his assistant, Doug Barker.
"I just love the coaches," Etcheson said, 'and just liked what it's all about. I just wanted to go and play, have fun, and do my best."
Etcheson's major is undecided at this time. He also feels that the Griffins will have a great chance to bring back the team's long-awaited first state title after being promoted by the IHSA to Class 2A this coming season.
"Oh, yeah, we have a great chance," Etcheson said. "We have the same goal as last year, to go to the state championship and win it all."
Playing in last year's Class 1A final against the Crusaders is Etcheson's favorite memory of playing with the Griffins.
"Going to the state championship, and playing in that game," Etcheson said. "It's the best baseball game I've played in my entire life. It was the most fun I've ever had."
