ECHS Senior Dylan Waldrop Signs Letter Of Intent To Play Baseball At Union College

L-R: Coach Bo West, Coach Bart Weaver, Dylan Waldrop, Kevin Waldrop (Dylan's father), Ed Vincent (trainer).

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Edmonson County High School senior Dylan Waldrop officially signed his letter of intent today to play baseball at Union College, a four year college in Barbourville, KY.

Dylan has played a key role in Wildcat Baseball over the years and has found success as a pitcher, infielder, and hitter. He also played football at Edmonson County for four years.

ECHS Head Baseball Coach Bo West discussed his thoughts on Dylan's big day.

"I know how hard he's worked throughout the years to make this dream a reality," said West. "Nine years ago, when I first got here, Dylan was the first kid I ever met. This little short, red-headed kid came up to me and he was eager to play baseball."

West said he knew right away he had passion and a drive for baseball. He said his work ethic has been strong over the years and he's continued improving as a result of his hard work.

"He's always been a hard worker, on and off the field. All this hard work has finally paid off for him and I want to say I'm very happy and proud of him and I know he'll continue to work hard on the field and in the classroom for years to come."

Dylan enjoys the moment with his dad, Kevin, and sister, ECHS sophomore Karissa Waldrop.

Dylan was very humble as he thanked the crowd for supporting him today.

"This has been a long time coming and I'm very blessed to have received the offer from Union," he said. "Along the way I've had some tough decisions to make, but something stuck with me that Coach Bo told me. He said to think about 40 years down the road, not 4. And I think that 40 years down the road I'll see this opportunity that was given to me and I would regret not taking it."

He gave some advice to his younger teammates in the audience. 

"Work hard every day. Work your butt off, do everything you can to make yourself a better player. It will all be worth it in the end, I promise you."

Kevin Waldrop, Dylan's father, has happy to share this moment with his son.

"I'm ecstatic about this," he said with a smile. "All young kids that play baseball want to make it to the big leagues but Dylan always said he wanted to play in college and get his degree. He's worked hard and this is an example of how hard work pays off. I'm as happy and as proud as a Dad can be."