COLONY — Crest High senior Jack White signed a letter of intent Friday to play college baseball at Allen Community College next year.
The signing is the fourth this year for a loaded Lancer senior class, which is knocking on the door of another state championship appearance. White joins teammates Trevor Church, Avery Blaufuss and Stetson Setter to play college ball.
White said his decision to play for ACC was in part based on his relationship with ACC Coach Clint Stoy. The pair have coached youth travel teams in the area, including the Iola Impact.
“He’s (Stoy) talked to me a lot about baseball and walked me through everything,” White said. “We’ve talked about the knowledge of the game. He knows that I know the game.”
White’s impact on Crest’s baseball program the past four years has been immeasurable, serving as a leader with his actions on and off the field. White has hit to the tune of a .412 batting average and has scored 23 runs this season.
The Lancer has also been a really positive light for the Crest baseball team on a daily basis, leading with his attitude through games, practices and everything in between. 
“It’s been the best four years of my life, it’s my favorite sport and I love it,” White said. “There’s not a day where I don’t really want to be here, even indoor practices when we only have one gym to work with and there’s 22 of us, it’s still amazing and fun.”
“This is a relaxed and winning environment,” White added of Crest.
The senior’s favorite memory was defeating Olpe in regionals last season when he closed the game on the mound and recorded the final outs in a 4-1 playoff win. Crest would go on to lose to Valley Falls in the state tournament but White’s impact was felt on the field.
Primarily a first baseman but also a pitcher, mainly in relief, White believes he has the necessary tools to take him to the next level. Standing at 6 feet, 1 inch, the Lancer has enough range to stretch on throws to first base for outs and make plays.
“No matter the speed I can drive a ball, I have a good batter’s eye, I can field a ball and I’m not scared to get in front of it and knock it down with my body,” said White. “I can make the play and I’m willing to work hard.”
White said he also received an offer from Minnesota West Community and Technical College but turned it down to stay closer to home.
Crest will match up in the Class 2-1A Regional in Overland Park on Tuesday and will oppose the winner of Shawnee-Maranatha Christian Academy and McLouth at 3 p.m.
