Austin Haas is a name that is well known in the Warrenton community. Whether he’s sprinting into the endzone for his third touchdown of the night or running to home base after stepping behind the plate the inning prior, the Warrenton senior has excelled in both sports. 

After months of weighing his options, Haas made the decision to continue his baseball career at the next level. On Feb. 21, he officially signed his letter of intent to play baseball at East Central College. 

“I love them both but I wanted to preserve my body,” Haas said. “I still have to make money after college, so baseball would be better than football for my body.” 

Haas went on visits for both sports, even receiving offers to play both football and baseball at the same school, but as he started to look more into the A+ Program when he realized he was eligible, East Central College became the best fit for his future. 

“I really liked the facilities. The coach was cool and I really liked what I saw at East Central,” Haas said. “My buddy Ben (Peth), I played with him for a long time and he goes there and I know Kannon (Hibbs) goes there, so it’d be cool to have a reunion…” 

“...It sounds like they will have a good ball club coming up so I’m really excited to be a part of that.” 

Haas’ baseball career started when he joined the T-ball team at four years old. From there, he has become an all-state athlete, conference player of the year and first-team all-district player. 

“I’m hoping to be able to get better at baseball and see where that takes me and if it takes me even further, then I’d like to keep going further,” he said. 

For Haas, playing at the next level is also an opportunity to figure out what his future holds. 

“I’d really like to use this experience as a ‘where am I at?’” Haas said. “Am I going to be that guy, or am I going to be doing my two years and then going to work. I feel like this is a good place for me to see where I’m ranked once I get further.” 

Currently a catcher and the leadoff hitter for Warrenton, Haas is open to exploring other positions in college. 

“My coach said when I get there, we’ll try out catching and see how that goes,” he said. “He also really likes my speed and could see me in the outfield a little bit too, so I think both could come into play.” 

Haas plans to major in business management. He said he’s looking forward to the challenges of playing baseball in college. 

“Putting pressure on myself to get playing time and go get a job after this is what I’m nervous about but also what I’m excited to do,” Haas said.