Tyler Tuepker has been a model for success at Wright City, and he hopes to continue that standard at the next level. The senior pitcher recently signed a letter of intent to play baseball for …
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Tuepker Signs With Missouri Western
Posted
By Derrick Forsythe, Record Sports Editor
Tyler Tuepker has been a model for success at Wright City, and he hopes to continue that standard at the next level.The senior pitcher recently signed a letter of intent to play baseball for Missouri Western State University.Tuepker drew interest from the St. Joseph school after throwing well at a showcase. A visit sold him on the Division II program, to which he aspires to make an immediate impact.“I hope to be a starter my freshman year, if not my sophomore year,” asserted Tuepker, one of three pitchers in this year’s recruiting class.Tuepker had considered other levels of college, but settled for what he thought best fit his skill set.“I always thought Division I was an option, but I was one of those kids that was in between,” said Tuepker. “Missouri Western is a top Division II, and that fits me really well with where I’m at now.”Wright City Coach Dave Chapman believes the three-year varsity starter is yet to reach his full potential.“He’s got a high ceiling,” said Chapman. “He’s got a tremendous work ethic and will do whatever it takes to be the best player he can be. He’s driven, and he’s got a goal in mind he wants to achieve.”Tuepker missed his entire freshman season with a broken arm suffered during preseason practice.As a sophomore he carried a 1.77 ERA through 23 innings. He went 4-1 as a starter, striking out 32 batters and walking 12.“He’s got a very good fast ball and curve ball,” said Chapman. “He has a good change of speeds and solid presence on the mound.”Tuepker recorded a 3.17 ERA over 50 innings of work last season, fanning 43 batters and walking 17.Chapman says Tuepker has improved since last spring.“He’s a better pitcher this year than he was last year,” said Chapman. “I think he’s got better command on his pitches, and his speed on his fast ball has gotten better.”Tuepker’s pursuit to play at a higher level began in 2011.“The summer after my sophomore year I started playing for the Prospects, and that helped me with focusing on my decision of playing baseball,” said Tuepker. “That’s when I really started focusing on playing college baseball and pushing myself in the classroom.”He will be joining a Griffon’s team that is ranked sixth with a 32-7 record so far this season. Missouri Western is a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association.“He’s the perfect role model for the type of teammate you want to have,” said Chapman of Tuepker. “I expect him to do very well at the next level.”Tuepker plans to earn a degree in physical therapy.
Wright City senior Tyler Tuepker recently signed a letter of intent to pitch for Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.
