Indians pitcher taking talents to new school

McCOOK, Neb. — Rylan Wallingford, a 5-10 sophomore pitcher on the McCook Community College baseball team, has signed a letter of intent to pitch next year at Ottawa University in Kansas.

The Fort Calhoun native attended Bennington High School and came to MCC last fall hoping to compete as an outfielder.

“He did a nice job in the fall competing as a position player, but some more opportunities were going to present themselves on the mound than in the outfield. He pitched in the past, so he asked if he could try pitching for us,” said MCC Coach Jon Olsen.

Wallingford appeared in eight games as a freshman. He threw 21.1 innings, allowed 24 hits, struck out 24 hitters and walked six. In April he got the call more frequently and contributed 12.2 innings pitched, allowing three runs, four walks and 15 strikeouts, with a 2.14 April E.R.A.

In September, Wallingford was part of the sophomore showcase at Metro State Community College in Denver, staged for recruiting and scouting. Oller was one of the recruiters in attendance and sought out Wallingford.

“Yes when he talked to me at the showcase, he remembered how I threw pretty well against them,” Wallingford said.