Student athlete gets a second chance

By Josh Hibbard – Horizon Staff Reporter

For freshman pitcher Gage Belcher, a second chance is more than just a way to undo the past; it is a blessing. After a lifestyle standard violation at Hesston College in the fall of 2012, Belcher was released from the baseball team and the college.

“I felt like I was at the lowest point of my life,” Belcher said. “I got a full-time job and started wondering if my college career had ended before it even started.”

A year later the baseball team lost five players, two of whom were pitchers. In an attempt to replenish the empty bullpen head baseball coach Rob Ramseyer looked for players willing to transfer. One of those players was Belcher.

“I was walking into the Casey’s gas station when I saw one of the coaches and he asked me if I was willing to play ball again,” Belcher said. “I immediately said yes and to this day I still think it was fate.”

Belcher, along with two other pitchers, freshmen Jib Carson and Robert Ortega, joined the baseball team at semester. Both Carson and Ortega look to make instant impact to the baseball team; as for Belcher, playing time will have to wait. Belcher won’t be eligible to play until next semester. Still, he says he feels that a weight has been lifted off his shoulders.

“I just thank the coaches and Hesston College that they were willing to give me a second chance and to rebuild my life,” Belcher said. “I am going to take full advantage of my second chance.”