Logan’s Runge, Wallace Sign with Four-Year Schools
Sophomore outfielder and catcher Lara Runge takes her power-hitting stroke and solid defense to the New York Institute of Technology, where she will play on scholarship beginning this fall.
Carterville native Lara Runge has accepted an offer from the New York Institute of Technology in Long Island, a Division II school, while Du Quoin transplant Chelsea Wallace has landed in the Missouri Valley Conference with Division I Indiana State.
Runge played centerfield for the Volunteers and did some catching. She batted .426 with 58 hits in 136 at bats. She blasted 11 home runs and drove in 35. She also scored 45 times and added five steals. The sophomore was selected Great Rivers Athletic All-Conference, All-Region 24 and All-American.
“Lara was a tremendous leadoff hitter for us this year,” said Logan assistant head coach Angie Jilek. “She hit for power with several extra-base hits and drove in more runs than you would expect from that spot in the order. She also anchored our outfield and did a great job behind the plate when called upon.”
Jilek said Runge will not be easy to replace.
“That’s because she could do so many things to help us win a game. Now, Lara has the opportunity to take her game to the next level and be successful in New York. We wish her well.”
The 20-year-old Runge said she chose New York over some local colleges because she wanted a chance to experience big-city life.
“It (going to school and playing in the Big Apple) was just too hard for me to pass up,” she said. “And the softball program appears to be on the upswing. I have been told I will get first crack at the catcher’s position. I played seven different positions in high school and multiple positions at Logan. I’m happy to play wherever the team needs me the most.”
Runge said her Logan experience has prepared her for a four-year school.
“I’m going to take what I have learned from Bruce (head coach Jilek) and Angie and apply it at the next level. I’m excited about the challenge.”
Runge will enroll in nursing preparatory courses with the hope of landing in the college’s nursing program a year from now.
Sophomore righthanded pitcher Chelsea Wallace enjoyed a great season with the Vols last spring. She will now play on scholarship for Indiana State University beginning this fall.
“I really liked the campus and everyone that I met on my visit,” she said. “I was also very impressed with their athletic training program, which is what I want to study.”
Wallace, 20, is a native of Danville, Ky., where she posted some amazing high school records. Upon graduation, she played her freshman year at Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C. Her family then moved from Danville to Du Quoin last summer and Wallace chose to leave Catawba and enroll at Logan, where she led the Vols to a school-record 39 spring wins and their first-ever national tournament appearance in St. George, Utah.
“It’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything,” she said. “Being in those competitive situations at the national tournament – feeling that pressure all the time – I think that makes you mentally tougher. And I hope I can build on that experience and provide leadership at Indiana State.”
Wallace finished the 2010 season with 18 wins and a sub 1.5 earned-run-average.
“Wally was instrumental on the mound for us this year,” Jilek said. “She charted the most innings out of all the pitchers. We needed a steady arm and she provided that for us. She welcomed the challenge of doing most of the pitching and did very well. We are grateful to her for all she accomplished here as an individual and teammate. We will continue to follow her career at Indiana State.”