Senior Connor Stokoe will be continuing his academic and athletic career at Drew University, where he will play for the Rangers baseball team.

“I am relieved the long recruitment process is finally over, and I am excited about the opportunities to play and contribute to the Drew baseball program,” Stokoe said.

Last year at RHS, Stokoe played second base while hitting second in the lineup for the Rams varsity team, enjoying a strong offensive season with a batting average of .297, on-base percentage of .373 and slugging percentage of .453 through 26 games.

Stokoe took this momentum into the summer where he continued to work hard both on and off the field, eventually earning him the opportunity to play college baseball.

The commitment process is never an easy one, and this was no different for Stokoe. Despite the challenge, he never lost sight of his goal to play at the next level. “When I committed to Drew, there was a lot of happiness, relief and excitement,” Stokoe said. “Playing at the next level has always been a dream of mine, so once I committed, there was so much joy.  My family was happy since Drew is close to home; they can still come out to support the Drew Rangers.”

The decision to commit to Drew University wasn’t only about baseball for Stokoe. “Throughout the process, I was looking for the right fit academically, athletically and socially,” he said. “There are a lot of things to like about Drew that made me know it was the right fit.”

Among them was the relationship Stokoe developed with the Drew coaching staff. “Coach Eberly and Coach Biale have been very supportive and helpful throughout the recruitment process,” he said. Stokoe also cited Drew’s “great reputation for its academics” including in his intended major, which is business.

Mark Rizzi, the head coach of RHS varsity baseball, agreed that Drew was getting a strong addition to the team. “Coach Eberly [at Drew] is going to have a player who works his butt off to become the best he can be, works hard in the classroom and is receptive to coaching and constructive criticism,” Rizzi said. “I believe Connor can make an immediate impact in the program.”

Stokoe’s teammates have also taken notice of the effort he gives to the team, whether it be during games or practice. “Connor Stokoe is a great teammate that always gives 100%,” RHS teammate Ethan Gorman said. “I love his competitiveness, and he is always ready for war.”

Stokoe said he’s looking forward to the opportunities he’ll get at Drew University. “I am most looking forward to having the ability to be a part of something bigger than me,” Stokoe said.  “I can continue to be a part of a team, continue to train, challenge and improve myself and play the sport that I love,” Stokoe said.

With his recruitment dream now a reality, Stokoe admitted that, while he’s eager to start the next chapter of his career, it won’t be easy leaving the people he has known his whole life. “What I am going to miss most about playing baseball at Randolph is playing with teammates and friends that I have been playing with since we were eight,” he said. “They are a second family to me, and we are all super close and enjoy hanging out a lot outside of school. I will also miss the excitement and energy behind competing for a state and county championship while representing my school.”

With most of his senior year still ahead of him, Stokoe said he’ll continue to work hard and apply himself, with the goal of continually improving as a player.

Stokoe and the rest of the Rams Baseball team will throw the first pitch of the new season in April, as they look to build on what they accomplished last season and go even further in both the county and state tournaments.