Wednesday morning wasn’t the first time that Luke Brown and Logan Bowen shared the stage at Bowling Green High, but it was perhaps a moment that they will never forget as they both signed to play college baseball.
Looking to stick closer to home, Brown chose in-town Conference USA contender Western Kentucky University. Bowen, on the other hand, chose to hit the road and sign to play at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.
The pair of seniors, who have been key fixtures in the Purples’ lineup the last couple of seasons, signed their letters of intent in front of an audience that included many players, coaches, and fans from other schools in the Bowling Green area.
For Brown, who also attracted attention from Austin Peay University in Clarksville, TN, home sweet home was the only way to go as the hometown Hilltoppers offered the outfielder a chance he couldn’t pass up.
“To be able to stay in my hometown feels amazing,” he said. “It feels a lot more comfortable knowing that my parents can come and see me play. (WKU’s) proximity to town and their engineering program is what really attracted me.”
The Hilltoppers (16-39 in 2017, 6-24 Conference USA), look to utilize Brown immediately as his size and speed seems to be a good fit for some open outfield positions.
“They do have some spots open in the outfield,” said Brown. “I’m really going to have to go out and compete hard to hopefully earn a position.”
Brown says that even though WKU head coach John Pawlowski and his staff have made him feel at home, it has been the insight from former WKU head coach and current Bowling Green head coach Matt Myers that has made the transition smooth.
Myers was at the helm of the Hilltoppers from 2012 to 2015, amassing a 106-118 record before being released by WKU and joining the high school ranks as head coach of the Purples one year later.
“(Coach Myers) helped out a lot. It was great to have his insight because of him of course being the former coach there.”
Logan Bowen chose to make the hour drive to Nashville to visit the Belmont Bruins, and he instantly knew that he was in the right place.
“When I met with (Belmont’s) coaches, I knew instantly that it would be a perfect fit for me as a ball player,” he said. “I really saw myself going there as opposed to other schools.”
Bowen looks to make an impact as a pitcher for the Bruins, who are 28-27 on the season including 17-13 in the Ohio Valley Conference and begin the OVC Tournament on Wednesday.
“I’m not sure yet what role I will be in as a pitcher with them, but I am definitely excited to make an impact,” said Bowen.
Bowen also credited Purples’ coach Matt Myers on his insight as a coach at the college level.
“(Coach Myers) has so much experience at the college level, it really helps to make the transition a whole lot smoother.”
Brown and Bowen’s tenure with the Purples is not quite complete yet, as Bowling Green has the #1 seed in the 14th District Baseball Tournament and will play the winner of Greenwood and Warren Central on Tuesday night at 5:00 p.m. All District 14 Tournament games will be played at Warren East High School.
