HORSEHEADS' GRANGER COMMITS TO PLAY D1 BASEBALL AT ST. BONAVENTURE (August 12, 2022)

By Brain Fees
Southern Tier Sports Report
A recent coaching change at Coastal Carolina Community College left Horseheads’ Lucas Granger up in the air on what to do with his future.

But, as the saying by Albert Einstein goes, ‘in the middle of difficulty likes opportunity.’

In the end Granger got a Division I opportunity and he’ll be playing baseball in the Atlantic 10 at St. Bonaventure University after recently committing to the school.

“Unfortunately, coach (Brock) Moss left Coastal Alabama Community College and I was very up in the air about my future as a Warhawk,” Granger said. “Fortunately, an opportunity arose to play Division I baseball in a great conference and for a great coach and program.”

Everything just kind of worked out for Granger after Moss left Coastal Carolina CC after a big first season as coach to head to Eastern Oklahoma State College.

“Coach Moss from CACC had left for a different school, the stars aligned and now I’m a future Bonnie,” Granger said.

While Granger would have been happier out of state in Alabama, he knows that playing in New York does make things easier for his family.

“For me, it was not as much about the location, as I would be playing great baseball in Alabama or Olean,” Granger said. “However, it is big for me and my family for sure to be able to see me play and carry on my dreams.”

The Bonnies have a new coach coming in, who is coming off a very successful run at the junior college ranks.

Jason Rathbun takes over as the new Bonnies coach. Rathbun coached Herkimer Community College for 17 years, leading them to a national title this past year.

Rathbun had a 556-180 record at Herkimer, averaging over 30 wins per year and his teams were national ranked 16 out of 17 seasons and made eight trips to the NJCAA World Series. His teams won 15 conference titles and reached the regional final 12 times. He had three players drafted in the MLB draft and he had 25 All-Americans. He was the NJCAA DIII National Coach of the Year this past year.

“As coach Rathbun enters his first year I look forward to being 100% devoted to him and his program and doing everything and anything to help the Bonnies win,” Granger said.

For Granger, getting a chance to play at the D1 level is special.

“Beyond excited,” Granger said. “A chance to play Division I baseball and in a conference like the A10 is definitely not something you can let pass you by.”

A number of Section 4 athletes have played for the Bonnies in the past and had success, including Waverly’s Brendyn Stillman, who just finished his Bonnies career, earning All-American honors during his career. For Granger, seeing Section 4 athletes have success there just gives him more confidence he can do the same thing.

“Of course, I am a big believer in being your own biggest fan,” Granger said. “I know what I am capable of and I am excited to get out there and show the world,” Granger said.

Granger has seen Horseheads grads get a chance at the pro level, and his goal is to one day have the same opportunities.

“Every kid dreams of being a pro,” Granger said. “To see guys like Mike Limoncelli, Connor Godwin and others be able to carry out their dreams of playing baseball from Horseheads, it only makes me work harder and appreciate the opportunity I’ve been given.”

Academics is a big key for Granger.

“St. Bonaventure is a wonderful school with many programs that I look forward to learning about,” Granger said. “However, it is too early for me to choose a major.”
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STSR FILE PHOTO.