western kentucky?

From what I have heard, this is a pretty decent college program and I know they have sent players on to the next level as well.

We got travel to Bowling Green Kentucky where WKU is located (at the top of a hill i.e., hilltoppers) last summer as my son played for their local midwest minor league team. The town is simply delightful. Beautiful city and state.

http://bowlinggreen.hotrods.mi...&fext=.jsp&sid=t2498

The program has improved significantly since Chris Finwood took over about four or five years ago. He was previously an assistant and recruiting coordinator on several very good Auburn teams. He brought a top defensive mentality to WKU. While a solid defense isn't very s-exy, it helps win games at any level.

They play in the Sunbelt Conference, which typically has the 5th-to-7th best conference RPI, out of about 20 leagues. They won 42 games in 2009, winning the Sunbelt regular season. It is a mid-major league with state schools, similar to Conference USA (except Rice), which means it is a good baseball conference, but not so strong in football or hoops. I've seen them play several times and are a classy, solid program.

Bowling Green is home to the Corvette, at least until the plant moves to China.

Bowling Green is a great little city and only about an hour drive to Nashville. I have known many (not athletes) that have gone to WKU and never have I heard anything but rave reviews about the school and the campus.

Baseball program is on the rise. If I am not mistaken they have found themselves ranked on a few occasions in the last couple years and beaten some big competition (I know they swept Kentucky last year). I don't know much about the coaching staff except the head coach hasn't been there that long, only about 5 years. But they are doing something right.

If your son has a chance to play there I am certain he will be glad he did.

quote:

Originally posted by floridamom:
anyone familiar with western kentucky?
coaches, program any info would help
thanks

You have a PM!

Two local kids play for them (three last year) including a neighbor. The boys say solid things about Coach Finwood. The team began last season 21 - 5 and were ranked as high as 18 a couple of times before falling off in the last half of the season. Some boys off this year's team will be drafted if they have the year they are capable of having. Last year's Friday night pitcher (drafted, broke a lot of school records) graduated and filling his shoes will be a challenge, but no one is irreplaceable.

These are all great comments and very accurate. I've had two players play for them (one is currently a freshman) and it's where I got my masters degree. Beautiful campus, they have a great field, Finwood seems to be moving in the right direction and Bowling Green is a good college town. Has enough to do to keep you occupied but not so much it will distract you.

It would be a good school to get an education and play baseball.

TX1836,

I believe you are referring to Matt Ridings, who was drafted by KC after going 9-1 his senior year. He unfortunately tore his UCL the last regular season start, but had Tommy John and is rehabbing. I got to see him pitch last spring. He's only (maybe) 6', but obviously an excellent pitcher.

Dad 04 - I'll send you a pm.

Matt Ridings is a hard throwing RHP that had an injury during his last college game. He should be good to go after the rehab. Another strong WKU player is OF Kes Carter who has a good arm and excellent speed. Both of these young men are from the talent rich Nashville, TN area.

Actually, I believe Carter started his High School baseball career in Memphis, and then the family moved to Nashville.

quote:

Originally posted by gitnby:
Actually, I believe Carter started his High School baseball career in Memphis, and then the family moved to Nashville.

Kes Carter moved to Nashville before his junior year of high school. He finished his last two years playing for Ravenwood High School. During the summer he played for former AA skipper Lem Pilkinton and the Hit After Hit program.