MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Marshall University has secured another verbal commitment from one of the state’s top pitchers in the Class of 2020. After holding a scholarship offer for a year, Parkersburg Catholic right-hander Patrick Copen announced Monday that he will join the Herd in the fall of 2020.
“Looking at the academic and athletic sides, I liked them both. I felt very comfortable there. They are also building a 20 million dollar stadium there soon. There’s a lot of great things coming to Marshall and I wanted to be a part of it,” Copen said.
Copen posted impressive numbers in his junior season with the Crusaders. He struck out 87 batters in 47 innings of work, sporting an earned run average of 2.51. Copen was named to the Class A all-state second team roster.
“I was nine when I started to pitch. I have been listening to people with college experience and they have told me that if I keep working hard then you will attain your goal of going Division 1. I listened to them. They had the right things to say and the goal was obtained.”
Copen is a multi-sport standout at Parkersburg Catholic. He is a member of the Crusaders’ golf team and he averaged eleven points per game for the state runner-up basketball team.
Copen says the opportunity to compete close to home was a key factor in his decision.
“I have always wanted to stay close to home so my family could come watch me play. That’s one of the best things when you are playing at a big level and your family can come see you compete.”
Copen is competing with the Blennerhasset Bears summer baseball team this summer. Eventually, Copen says working on his changeup will be a focus of his pitching repertoire.
“The pitching coach at Marshall (Joe Renner) is big on the changeup. I will obviously be working on my command with the fastball and the intensity of the curve ball, but also refining my changeup too to throw off the timing of the hitters.”
St. Albans rising senior Ayden Hodges is also in Marshall’s 2020 recruiting class. Hodges committed to Marshall earlier this summer.
“I’m excited to get with other West Virginia kids and get to work.”