The William Peace University Baseball program is heading in the right direction and Chase Roupp, a WPU senior who has played a major role in paving the way for future Pacer male athletes.
This season, the Pacers earned their first ever USA South Tournament appearance in the 160-year history of the University. The team finished the season at 17-19 overall, and 8-10 in conference play.
“Six other seniors and I have been playing for this one moment for the past 4 years and it feels good to finally accomplish one of our goals,” says Roupp.
Prior to playing at WPU, Roupp spent much of his time playing and loving the sport of baseball. He knew he wanted to use his athletic abilities at the collegiate level but was uncertain about where he wanted to go. The recruiting process of any college sport is an experience that every player will remember. It is one of the most interesting and awarding processes that an athlete will go through during the college career.
“My high school coach told me one day that he contacted Coach Duty at WPU and that he was going to come watch me play,” says Roupp. “After the game, he told me his thoughts about how he was trying to build a brand new program at the new co-ed university. He then called me a few days later and said that he liked what he saw and that he wanted to offer me a spot on the team. Going on the tour of the campus and learning about the university was great but meeting and talking with Coach Duty was what made my decision.”
When they met and talked, Coach Duty was so personable it made Roupp feel like he had known him for years. This encounter made him feel welcomed and comfortable about choosing Peace for his college home.
When coming to WPU, Roupp was a two-way player, meaning he pitched and played a position. He continued this through his sophomore year as he moved around through eight of the nine positions with catching being the only position he didn’t play. At the beginning of the season his junior year, the coaches talked to him about moving to a PO meaning that he would only pitch. So the past two seasons Roupp has pitched for the Pacers.
“I would without a doubt encourage and advise anyone who is considering coming to WPU and playing baseball to do so,” he says. “I feel beyond blessed to have been granted this great opportunity.”
