Harper to play baseball at Avila

Louisburg High School senior Kylan Harper signed his letter of intent on March 10 to play baseball at Avila University next season. Sitting next to Kylan are his parents Larry and Stephanie Harper. Standing is Louisburg baseball coaches Robert Ebenstein, Joel McGhee and Zach Livingston. 

Kylan Harper has been patiently waiting for the day for his dream to become a reality.

Harper, who has played baseball since he was 3-years-old, has always wanted a chance to play on the collegiate level. That day finally came earlier this month.

On March 10, the Louisburg High School senior signed his letter of intent to play baseball at Avila University in front of family and friends. Harper hopes to take full advantage of this opportunity.

“I have been dreaming of playing college baseball for a long time now,” Harper said. “It is really exciting to go somewhere even though a lot of people doubted me along the way. I am definitely excited to play at Avila next year.”

Harper got noticed by Avila thanks to his summer coach, Rod Myers. Harper plays for Myers on his KC Elite team and got Harper a tryout with the Eagles.

The tryout couldn’t have gone better as Avila offered him a spot on the Eagles’ roster. Avila, who is coached by Daryl Cronk, has reached the NAIA National Tournament three times in his six years and Harper is excited to be a part of the good tradition.

“I really like (Avila’s) coach and Rod said some really good things about them and their program,” Harper said. “It think this opportunity can really help me out and get better.”

Pitching has been in Harper’s blood for a long time and he has worked for several years to try and get better. Harper, who throws a fastball, curve, changeup — and sometimes a knuckleball — hopes to make an impact with the Avila program, whether as a starter or as a reliever.

“I am not sure on where I will fit in yet, I just want to go down there and do my best,” he said.

Harper, who started on the junior varsity level last season with the Wildcats, eventually cracked the varsity roster late in the year and picked up his first win against Spring Hill.

He hopes to make a big impact for Louisburg this season as he is one of seven seniors that will lead the Wildcats into the 2017 campaign.

“I think if we all play to our ability, I really think we have a chance to go pretty far,” he said.

Along with baseball, Harper is ready to pursue his college degree as he plans to major in criminal justice.