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BOB STRICKLEY

PDT Sports Editor

WEST PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth West’s baseball program continued to foster its reputation as a gateway to college competition as Daulton Kenyon decided Thursday morning to continue his playing career.

Kenyon and his family met with West baseball coach Chris Rapp and Rio Grande baseball coach Brad Warnimont to make Kenyon’s baseball future official as he agreed to play collegiate ball at Rio Grande.

The second baseman is the third West player from the 2012 squad to join a college program.

“He was a kid that you could depend on during his career at West,” Rapp said. “All four years he was with me he would listen to your instructions and do all the right things on the field.”

Kenyon helped West to a 19-6 record in 2012 and an appearance in the Division Southeast District Championship. He was also a part of the district finalist squad as a freshman.

For Kenyon’s final season, he batted .409 and was a SOC II Second Team performer. Rapp said his bat and quickness will benefit the Rio Grande program.

“He has great speed and is a left-handed batter,” Rapp said. “I think those are the traits that stood out to them.”

Potential is another aspect Warnimont and his staff will be banking on.

“I think he hasn’t really grown into his frame and build yet,” Rapp said. “I see him putting on some weight in working in a college weight room and he will become a better all-around hitter when he does that.”

Kenyon joins former Senator C.J. Adkins on the RedStorm roster. Adkins finished his freshman season this spring as a first baseman for Rio Grande.

Also welcoming Kenyon will be another SOC II standout in Ryan Robertson, who was a left-handed pitcher at Waverly.

Kenyon’s former West teammates Tas Shupert and Tate Bailey will be in the opposing dugout when Rio Grande faces rival Shawnee State this spring.

Bob Strickley may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 203, or bstrickley@heartlandpublications.com.