Wright City senior Justin Bote signed his letter of intent Monday to play baseball at Hannibal-LaGrange University next season.

Bote, a corner infielder and pitcher, is hitting .625 for the Wildcats this season.

“It feels pretty good,” he said. “I was always hoping I would make it to this point, but nothing is guaranteed, so it’s nice.”

Bote led all non-seniors in batting average last season, finishing at .370 with 17 hits.

“I played select ball for years so it was always building up to this point,” he said, “and I was always hoping that it would happen.”

Hannibal-LaGrange, which plays in the American Midwest Conference, is 5-28 on the season.

“I really liked the campus and the atmosphere of the team,” Bote said. “They have great morals there and the coaches are great. I really liked them.”

Bote has made one appearance on the mound this season for Wright City while getting most of his work in at first or third base.

But he hopes to keep his arm sharp heading into next season.

“I want to improve my pitching,” he said. “I don’t pitch too much, so it would probably help to brush up on that and make sure I’m ready for college. I’d like the change and be able to pitch at the next level.”