Indiana Tech has built a reputation recently as a great place to play college baseball and study engineering.
Former Bellmont High School versatile athlete Brian Hakes plans to do both with the Warrior program after accepting a scholarship to play baseball at the school.
"We are very excited to have Brian along with us," Indiana Tech coach Kip McWilliams said in a release. "I believe Brian has the work ethic and the desire to win. This is the mentality that we look for in our players at Indiana Tech.”
Hakes was a three-year starter as both a catcher and third baseman for the Braves. He hit .463 last spring, and led the team in doubles (13), RBI (40), home runs (7), on-base percentage (.505), and slugging percentage (.843).
The two-sport (he was also an All-State selection in football) struck out only six times all season and committed just four errors. As a junior, he hit .418 with six home runs and 25 RBI.
"I picked Indiana Tech for several reasons," Hakes explained. "First, they have a great baseball program. Second is Coach McWilliams and the team. He has made a great impression on me. I can tell he will be a good coach to play for and will help further my baseball career. Third is the great facilities, nice field, nice weight room, nice indoor facilities."
In addition to playing baseball and football at Bellmont, Hakes was also an All-State performer in hockey as a member of Team Indiana after playing four seasons in the Fort Wayne high school league as well as on several other teams.
Hakes won 11 letters in high school, three each in football and baseball, four in hockey (for North Side and Dwenger), and one in wrestling during his senior year.
"I'm very excited to start this chapter of my life," Hakes said. "I want to make it as far as I can in baseball and will work very hard every day to achieve my goals."
