MAY 14, 2021, KEIZERTIMES, PAGE A27
4 McNary athletes
sign with colleges
WE TAKE
PRIDE
in being staffed better than
any other senior living
community
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Brennan Whalen, Aaron Nease, Ethan Whalen and Jack McCarty.
Photo by MATT RAWLINGS of Keizertimes
BY MATT RAWLINGS
Of the Keizertimes
On Friday, May 7, four McNary ath-
letes signed their letters of intent to
compete in athletics in college.
McNary quarterback Jack McCarty
signed his letter of intent to join the
Lewis & Clark football team while
Celtics pitcher Aaron Nease commit-
ted to play baseball at Saint Martin's
University in Lacey, Wash.
Brennan Whalen signed to run track
and cross country at Marion Military
Institute in Marion, Ala. and his twin
brother Ethan inked his letter of intent
to do the same with George Fox.
“Each of them do very well in the
classroom and that hard work has
allowed them to play at some pretty top
notch academic schools. That is what
gives them the opportunity,” McNary
athletic director Scott Gragg said.
In the six-game shortened season,
McCarty threw for 1301 yards — which
was the third highest total in the state
— and 13 touchdowns.
“I can't say enough about the lead-
ership he brought for us,” McNary
football coach Jeff Auvinen said. “I
love this kid. He is going to be a great
college student and a great college
athlete.”
McCarty also had an offer from
Willamette and garnered interest from
Linfield and Pacific but ultimately
elected to sign with the Pioneers.
“I appreciate everyone coming out —
friends, family and coaches. I wouldn't
NEWS
TIPS?
be here without you all,” McCarty said.
Nease transferred to McNary
from Blanchet for his senior season.
Through 12 games, Nease is batting
.323 with three doubles, eight RBIs
and seven runs scored. On the mound,
the big right-hander has thrown 5.2
innings and has recorded a save to go
along with his 4.94 ERA — despite deal-
ing with a nagging arm injury.
“Not only is he a good baseball
player — he pitches and catches for us,
which are the most important positions
on the field — but most importantly he
is a good person. He fits right into our
program because that is a high prior-
ity for us. We were really happy and
fortunate to have him join our baseball
program for his senior year and we are
super excited for him to continue that
endeavor at Saint Martin's University,”
McNary head coach Larry Keeker said.
“I just want to thank my family, who
have helped me throughout my whole
baseball career,” Nease added.
Both Ethan and Brennan have been
in the McNary varsity cross country
lineup and have been pivotal members
of the track & field team in all four years
of their career.
“Brennan and Ethan are two young
men who care deeply about running.
They have done well over four years
and we are proud of them and their
efforts. We’re excited for them to con-
tinue running beyond high school,”
McNary track and cross country coach
David Holcomb said.
If it's happening
in Keizer, or to someone
from Keizer —
WE WANT TO KNOW.
kt@keizertimes.com
Quality senior living for those who have
reached the age of sixty-two.
Come See the Finest in Senior Living!
CALL (503) 390 -1300
1165 McGee Ct NE, Keizer, OR • www.VillageAtKeizerRidge.com