Nolan Thomson Commits to the D1 Rend Lake College Warriors in Illinois

Veteran middle infielder Nolan Thomson committed to the Division 1 Rend Lake  Warriors on Tuesday afternoon as the 2022 Titans’ Fall College Trip wound through the American Midwest.  The Newmarket resident became the first Titan from the Class of 2023 to sign a letter of intent to a US College. He will join 2022 Titans graduates Colby Guy and Giancarlo Bernardo at the D1 Junior College in southern Illinois.  Titans College Placement Officer and 18U Head Coach Denis Bailey offered words of praise for his hard-hitting infielder:  “Nolan is truly a middle of the order bat for Titans Baseball Club.  He has succeeded in premium spots for the Titans both offensively and defensively in the CPBL.  Nolan has also performed with an extremely high level of athleticism both in the 2022 season and on our current Fall College Trip.  His skill set will translate easily to the D1 level of baseball he will play at Rend Lake.  Warriors’ Head Coach Chris Moddelmog loved Nolan’s bat when we played in southern Illinois.”

Thomson, an Honor Roll graduate of Huron Heights Secondary School, explained his choice to commit to Rend Lake Community College:  “I chose Rend Lake because Coach Moddelmog was so approachable. He listened and answered all my questions.  His enthusiasm, when I accepted, is one conversation I will never forget. The baseball program is amazing. The facility to keep practicing is right across from the player accommodations.  What more could I ask for? I can continue my daily Fieldhouse rituals of practising everyday next year at Rend Lake.  Lastly, I was a Huron Heights Warrior and can’t wait to be a Rend Lake Warrior.  Once a Warrior, always a Warrior!”

Thomson also suggested that the area in which Rend Lake is located will be easy to adjust to:  “Living in Ina, Illinois will be great with such a small town feel; yet, it’s a short jaunt to St. Louis to watch the Cardinals.  I still have some research to do, but I’m looking forward to getting comfortable in my new home in September 2023.” 

Thomson’s goals as a student-athlete at Rend Lake Community College were clear, laudable, and focused:  “I will be working towards my degree in Welding/Machine technology. These are fields that I thoroughly enjoy and want to make a career of. My athletic goal is to keep working hard to get stronger and be a better ball player. Play hard and give it everything I can for the team.  My academic goal is to maintain at least a 3.8 GPA.”

The two-time MVP of the Titans’ Annual Movember Charity Game and winner of the Titans’ Charlie Hustle Award offered his gratitude to the Titans Baseball Club:  “Thanks to the Titans baseball organization and Coach Bailey for having College instructional meetings and sharing his knowledge of the College systems which helped put my head into it and start thinking seriously about where I wanted to go. Thanks to the Titans for The College tours. Last year was a great way to learn to keep up with my homework and studies while on the road. This year-- being my gap year and being on a 2-week venture-- really helped with learning the importance of getting enough rest and being prepared physically for the 2-week grind of playing ball every day on the road.  Every player should be on this College tour before they venture off to College.”

In addition to promoting the importance and value of the Titans Fall College Trip, Thomson shared the highlights of his Titan career:  “Winning the Charlie Hustle Award and Back-to-Back Movember Charity Game’s MVP. I also won’t forget the home run I hit in Kentucky this past summer. I was fortunate to play with an outstanding group of guys who pushed me to do better.”

As is our Baseball Club’s tradition regarding commitment feature stories, Thomson offered timely and practical advice for the younger Titans:  “Set personal goals in the off-season and in the regular season.   If you want to hit 20 doubles, set it as a goal and do it.  There is great satisfaction in achieving those goals. The biggest piece of advice I can offer is that as a Titan player, the Fieldhouse is there for you. Use it every day. Just showing up for team practices is not enough. Keep your grades up, ask Coach Jim to review assignments, speak up, and always communicate with your coaches.”

Thomson saved his final accolades for the Titans Director of Baseball Operations Lawrence Vera:  “A big thanks to Coach Lawrence who took me as a player in the Titans’ inaugural year and for making me feel proud to be a Titan.”

Congratulations, Nolan!  The Titans Baseball Club is proud of your substantial achievements on and off the baseball field.  You have been an exemplary student-athlete.