East and Sixers’ Colter McAnelly signs to play Division 1 baseball at Utah

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - One of the Sixers’ stars has officially found a home at the next level. Colter McAnelly signed his letter of intent Wednesday to play baseball for the Utah Utes.

The East High School product plays on the Thunderbirds basketball team as well, and he wrapped up his recruitment ahead of hoops season as East prepares to chase a championship.

His athletic director and baseball coach both raved about his work ethic and leadership during the signing ceremony.

“What was really pleasing to watch, a real joy to watch was just how hard he worked. Going over, dropping him off at his house after a practice or something like that, I know he gets up in the mornings with his dad and has hit and lifts and does all the things you need to do to have success. I say it all the time, a small percentage of kids get the opportunity to play at the next level, and it takes a special drive and special motivation to be able to do that,” East Athletic Director Jerry Schlabs said.

“The thing about Colter is he’s a winner. He wants to win. He expects to win, and he expects to do it at a very high level. He requires that of not just himself, but the teammates that are around him. [He] raises them to the level, [and] changes the expectations. He sets a bar and makes sure he meets it,” Sixers Head Coach Ty Lain said.

The bar that McAnelly has set will be tough for most baseball players to reach. He’s been a force in every aspect of the game-- on the mound as a pitcher, in the field as a shortstop, and at the plate as a spectacular hitter. He was selected as the Wyoming Player of the Year each of the last two seasons, and this past season he was also named Pitcher of the Year.

The latter honor stemmed from a 9-2 record on the bump with a 0.82 ERA, 139 strikeouts, and two saves in 68.1 innings. Offensively, he hit a whopping .413 with six long balls, seven triples, and 27 doubles last season. He drove in 76 runs and scored 98 himself as well.

McAnelly expects to both pitch and play shortstop for Utah, and he is confident in the attitude he can bring to the team.

“I think I bring a good mentality. I can help other guys, they can help me. I’ll go in there and be as positive as I can, and it’ll be a great atmosphere,” McAnelly said.

Now that his recruitment has ended, he will gear up for his final season on the hardwood starting in a few weeks.

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