Brock Thuleen had always loved playing baseball, right from the first time he picked up a ball and glove at the age of four.
It wasn’t until last year that the West Burlington High School senior really started to believe he could compete at the college level.
Thuleen will get that opportunity. He recently signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball at William Penn University next year.
Thuleen is excited for the chance to play for the NAIA school in Oskaloosa.
“Coach (Mike) Laird is a great coach. He’s all about working hard and being consistent. He’s all about fundamentals. I really like him,” said Thuleen, who plans to major in sports management with a minor in accounting. “I’ve been playing fall ball and spring ball where I get to face that high-caliber pitching. That helps me prepare for it. Around here we have good pitchers who have good movement. There I can face faster pitchers.”
Thuleen earned second team Class 2A all-state accolades last season after hitting .518 with 11 doubles and one home run, scoring 11 runs and driving in 21 runs.
Thuleen played mostly first base and pitched for the Falcons last year, but is prepared to play wherever needed for the Statesmen.
“A little bit of first base and a little bit of outfield here and there,” Thuleen said.
Thuleen may be reunited with former West Burlington baseball coach Dreyton LaVeine. LaVeine resigned after one season at the helm last summer and is finishing up his playing career as a pitcher at William Penn this spring. LaVeine may try to stay on as an assistant coach after the season.
“He’s actually playing at William Penn right now and he’s thinking about taking a coaching job up there,” Thuleen said. “I might be able to play for him again. That would be fun.”
Thuleen is looking forward to his senior season at West Burlington, which begins next month. He will be playing for his fourth coach in as many years with the Falcons as former Falcon Dustin Guihan steps in as coach this summer.
“It’s been honorable,” Thuleen said. “I had four coaches. I wish I could have had one, but I’m grateful.”
“Coach (Aaron) Brown saw me as a leader,” Thuleen said. “Dreyton was tough on me. He’s pretty much what made me the player I am today.”
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