Markus Brugler has yet to play a varsity baseball season at the high school level, but he has shown the potential to earn the opportunity to compete in college.
Brugler recently decided to further his career on the diamond at Wright State University’s Lake Campus in Celina.
“I like that they have a very centralized campus and they have a great baseball facility there,” said Brugler of WSU-Lake Campus. “(Coach Chad Geier) has had some very successful teams and I want to be a part of that.”
Like the rest of the area’s spring athletes a year ago, Brugler was unable to have a season because of the coronavirus pandemic.
However, he was still able to sharpen his skills and continue on a path to earning a college opportunity.
“I call Markus a late bloomer,” said Bellefontaine head baseball coach Mark Brunswick.
“He brings a lot of athleticism and he has been able to use that athleticism to get an opportunity at the college level. Coach Geier there at the Lake Campus will be able to help Markus continue his development.”
Brugler’s future in baseball looks to be behind the plate.
“You could really see his athleticism and feel for the game when we decided to make him a catcher,” said Brunswick. “He has good athleticism back there and he also has a really good pop time (the time it takes from the ball to go from the mitt to second base) of 1.89. He has the tools to be a very good catcher.”
Brugler has played the game since he was young, but it wasn’t until a couple of years ago when he felt playing in college was a realistic goal.
“My sophomore year when Coach Brunswick came back, I realized I had somebody that could help me reach my goal and fulfill that dream of playing college baseball,” said Brugler.
Before starting his college career, Brugler hopes to have a memorable senior season at BHS.
“I feel like we have a really good chance to go far in the tournament this year,” he said.
“I think we can make a long run.”