Junction City Blue Jay baseball pitcher Thane McDaniel will take his talents on the mound to the University of Kansas next season. The JCHS Senior signed a letter of intent with KU during a celebration at Coach’s Wednesday evening.

The JCHS senior said he’s been working for this opportunity since he was a young kid. “To finally see it happen. I’m so excited, it just means so much. ” McDaniel he began playing baseball when he was four or five years old and probably had a ball in his hand as early as two or three years old. He has always been a pitcher.

The University of Kansas first approached him the summer entering his junior year, and on September 2nd he made his official visit to the university. He credits his mentality on the mound for his success. “I attack hitters, I’m not afraid, I try to attack the zone with my fastball. My curve ball is probably my out pitch, my best pitch.”

Blue Jay coach Pat Stivers said McDaniel has worked hard and earned the opportunity. “I’m excited to have him another year. But like I said he’s done all the work and put the hard work in, and he deserves this. For the Junction City baseball team Stivers is that leader on the mound, and also does a lot off the mound. “He’s a complete player at the plate, played infield for us. To put him on the mound he’s going to give you a chance to win every night.”

Stivers noted McDaniel has a bulldog mentality on the mound, and is a smart pitcher that understands what the hitters are trying to do.”