Rochelle senior Nate Burdin saw his relationship with Lawrence University head coach Chris Krepline grow tremendously throughout his recruitment this year. Burdin’s connection with Krepline was one of several factors that fueled his decision to commit to the Vikings and continue his academics and his baseball career with Lawrence University after high school.

“I chose Lawrence to further my education because they offered me a very prestigious education with a trustworthy and helpful alumni base that will set me up for success throughout college and after college,” Burdin said. “I also chose Lawrence for baseball because of the relationship I’ve built with coach Krepline and the high-intensity environment they offer.”

Burdin will enter his second season with the Rochelle Hub varsity baseball team this spring. The 5-foot-10, 155-pound left-handed pitcher and outfielder slashed .273/.396/.432 with 12 hits and seven RBIs as the team’s starting center fielder during his junior season. Burdin threw 11 and two-thirds innings this past season, finishing 2-0 with a 4.94 ERA, 12 strikeouts and four walks.

“I’m looking forward to being around a team of high-level baseball players and competing against exceptional talent every night,” Burdin said. “Playing baseball at RTHS has helped prepare me for the college level because it’s taught me how to fight for a spot, compete every chance I have and how to be a great teammate through any situation… Lawrence will be getting a player who loves to compete and has an undeniable passion for the game of baseball.”

Burdin will be one of several seniors returning to the varsity baseball team this spring. The Hubs are looking to build on a 7-12 campaign that saw Rochelle fall to Dixon in extra innings during the IHSA 3A Regional Series. Burdin said he plans to major in economics and minor in innovation/entrepreneurship in hopes of becoming a financial analyst for a top company.

“Lawrence will be getting a tenacious pitcher who has great command and can hit his spots at any given time while keeping hitters on their toes with high-spinning offspeed pitches,” Burdin said. “I will bring a poised pitching sequence to the team next season with my fastball, changeup, curveball, slider and knuckle-change. I believe I can be utilized in any role and I will work hard and accept my role in order to help out the team in any way possible.”

“I’m really happy for Nate,” Rochelle head coach Jarrod Reynolds said. “Nate does so many things well on the field and I’m looking forward to watching him play this year. I’m excited to see him continue to develop at the college level as well. I appreciate all of Nate’s hard work and dedication to the RTHS baseball program over these last four years.”