Multiple Eudora senior athletes say the lessons they’ve learned as a Cardinal have prepared them well for the college level. 

The Eudora Times spoke with eight seniors preparing to play college sports about their decision and what they are excited about heading to the next level.

Cooper Burling, Baseball, MidAmerica Nazarene

Senior Cooper Burling continues his baseball career at the collegiate level by joining the team at MidAmerica Nazarene this fall. 

Burling has played since T-ball and his love for the sport never wavered. He is a four-time varsity letterman. His primary position is catcher, where he helps lead the Cardinals from behind the plate. He also plays first base and pitches. 

Burling credits a demanding amount of practice to getting him to the college ranks. 

“Baseball’s a grind,” Burling said. “You gotta keep practicing, getting better to compete with people at your level.”

Burling has played for two coaching staffs during his time playing in Eudora. The different perspectives have helped him grow as a player. 

“Learned a lot from the first and learning a lot from this one. It’s kept me improving, kept me disciplined,” Burling said.

Burling began listing out potential colleges he would want to play for during his sophomore season. During his junior year, he got the offer from MNU, a team at the top of his list. 

“It’s a great program. Their coaches are super cool,” Burling said. “Everybody when they’re little wants to play sports in college. It’s just a great opportunity.”

Burling is a four-year member of FFA with several awards and recognitions. He also competed for the Clays trap team. 

Beckham Erpelding, Soccer, Fort Scott Community College

Senior Beckham Erpelding started playing soccer at 4 years old and has never quit. The all-state midfielder will join the soccer team at Fort Scott Community College this fall. 

Erpelding was appreciative of his time playing for the soccer team and getting to remain with a group of teammates who predate their high school experiences. 

“I’ve gotten to play with all my friends,” Erpelding said. “I’ve kind of been on the same team with them since I was a little kid, and sharing the experience with them for four years has always been the best part.”

Erpelding said the choice of FSCC was easy. It was the same college his mom attended, and he hit it off with the coaching staff. 

“The coach they’ve got down there, I like him a lot,” Erpelding said. “Good dude, great mind. He really appreciates the game.”

Erpelding believes getting to play in college opens up many new opportunities for him not just as a player, but as a person. 

“Looking forward to getting better, growing as a person,” Erpelding said. “I’m also looking forward to just meeting new people, like teammates and whatnot.”

Addie Williams, Cross Country and Track and Field, St. Mary’s  

After competing for the Cardinals cross country and track teams for the last four years, senior Addie Williams will continue running at the University of St. Mary, joining both teams this fall. 

Specializing in distance events in track and field and running cross country, Williams helped lead programs that have strong bonds and were unified. 

“Honestly, it helps me mentally because I’m not just running by myself,” Williams said. “I have a team, boys and girls, that has my back, and they’ll always push me to be the best I could be.” 

Williams leaves Eudora a state champion and medalist. She will join a St. Mary’s program that her sisters Reagan and Riley Hiebert also ran for. 

“I was already wanting to go there because I like their program and coaches,” Williams said. “I like how they connect with their runners.” 

The family connection was not the only thing that stood out to Williams while visiting the campus. 

“They kind of remind me of Eudora,” Williams said. “They’re small. Small community and everyone has everyone’s back and just wants to know everybody.” 

Max McCleary, Cross Country, Spurgeon College

Senior Max McCleary is headed to Kansas City this fall to run cross country at Spurgeon College, where he was drawn to the tight-knit community.

While McCleary originally considered running at Emporia State, he felt drawn to find a smaller, faith-based environment.

“I was just searching for smaller Christian private schools,” he said. “I want to be a worship pastor, so that’s what I’m going to be studying: worship ministries.”

After visiting the campus, McCleary was sold on the school’s atmosphere and the personal interest he got from the cross country coaching staff.

“It’s a small campus, but it’s really pretty, and everyone’s just super talkative and friendly,” McCleary said. “It’s a really close environment where everyone knows each other, which is nice. I met the coach, and he really wanted me on the team.”

McCleary said he is looking forward to the challenge of collegiate athletics and the chance to keep racing for a few more seasons.

“I think just keeping that competitive mindset just a little bit longer,” he said. “That’s going to be exciting.”

Jack Cline, Baseball, McPherson College

Senior Jack Cline is set to continue his baseball career at McPherson College in the fall.

After an initial campus visit and conversations with the coaching staff, Cline returned for a scholarship day where he officially committed to the program.

“I went on a visit there and met with the coaches. I talked to them for a while,” Cline said. “I really like them. I have a relationship with them.”

Beyond the coaching staff, McPherson’s recent campus upgrades played a role in his decision. During his tour of the facilities, Cline said he was impressed by the athletic and student life amenities.

“Their weight room looked pretty nice, and they have turf fields, that was a plus,” he said. “They also just built a new cafeteria, so that’ll be nice.”

While the move means being on his own for the first time, Cline is looking forward to the social side of the college experience. He has already met his future roommate and is eager to build new friendships on and off the diamond.

“Honestly, I just want to keep playing the sport I love,” Cline said. “I’ll meet new people, and I think it’ll just be a good experience, just having a good time playing baseball.”

Hallie Woods, Softball, Ottawa University

Senior Hallie Woods is heading to Ottawa University, fulfilling a long-held dream of competing at the collegiate level.

For Woods, the decision was driven by a combination of strong coaching on the softball team and teachers in the classroom. 

“That really made me go that way,” she said. “The coach down there is an amazing coach, and she’s very supportive.”

Before committing, Woods participated in an on-campus workout where she was able to showcase her skills firsthand.

“I went on a visit, but I also kind of tried out,” Woods said. “I pitched and showed them hitting and stuff, and then went on the visit.”

While she prepares to study elementary education with the goal of becoming a kindergarten teacher, she is equally eager for the increased intensity of college athletics.

“I’ve always wanted to play softball at the next level,” she said. “Being on a new team that is more competitive, I just love the thought of that.”

Avery Warren, Track & Field, Baker University

Senior Avery Warren is headed to Baker University this fall, where she hopes to bring her speed and a team-first mentality to the Wildcats’ track and field program.

While Warren began the recruiting process by reaching out to the school during her junior year, a campus visit in September solidified her decision to join.

“I got to meet the coach and some of the team,” she said. “They’re having four leaving for sprints, and me coming in to help them fill that area was something they really wanted. It was a really nice campus and a really good coach.”

Finding an environment that mirrored her experience at Eudora was a top priority for Warren. She said the coaching staff at Baker immediately felt like a natural fit.

“She honestly reminded me of the coaches here,” Warren said. “They’re so welcoming and you just immediately feel a connection. I really wanted it to be like a Eudora atmosphere, and if it wasn’t going to be that, I wouldn’t have been interested.”

As she prepares to compete in the 200m, 400m, and maybe some relays, Warren says she is leaning on the lessons of selflessness she learned as a multi-sport athlete.

“I know that I want to work hard and get better, but I also want to do that for the team,” she said. “Even if I’m injured or something, I’m always giving 100% for everyone else. That’s kind of how Baker does it, too.”

Cage Crabill, Football, Baker University

Senior Cage Crabill will stay close to home this fall, joining the football program at Baker University while pursuing a degree in business.

For Crabill, the decision was deeply rooted in his connection to his family. The proximity of the Baker campus allows him to remain a constant presence in the lives of his parents and three younger siblings.

“I have three younger siblings who I love and adore,” Crabill said. “I just really enjoy spending time with them all the time, and I don’t think I could be two hours away at some other school. I can’t leave them in the dust.”

In addition to family ties, Crabill was drawn to the university by the success of former Eudora classmates already on the roster. After three visits to campus, including a game day visit, the coaching staff’s personal approach sealed the deal.

“They got to know me as a person instead of just a football player, and that really connected me to them,” he said. “They all came up and met with me.”

While he values his roots, Crabill is also looking forward to the transition into college life and the opportunity to broaden his social circle.

“I’m excited to make some new friends,” he said. “I’ve had the same friends since about eighth grade. I’m excited to make more.”