Bland signs letter of intent at Dr. CHS James F. Sharp Cafeteria event
By Jim Beers
CHESTER – Another Chester High School graduate has been recruited to continue his sports career at the collegiate level. 2024 graduate Evan Bland has decided to play baseball his freshman year at Shawnee College during the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.
Bland had a signing event at Chester High School’s Dr. James F. Sharp Cafeteria on Tuesday May 14, 2024. In attendance were numerous family, friends, fellow YellowJacket Baseball Coaches and teammates, school administrators and members of the media.
CHS Athletic Director Jenny Cartwright opened the signing event by introducing Evan to those gathered in the cafeteria to help witness Evan’s signing of a Letter of Intent to play baseball at Shawnee for the Saints.
Head Shawnee Baseball Coach Ken Reichert was also on hand to accept Evan’s signing and meet with family and friends. CHS Head Coach, Jacob Wente was joined by CHS Assistant Coaches Matt Davitz and Bryce Bainter in congratulating Evan on his decision to continue his career at Shawnee.
Proud parents Jessica Peck and Matt Bland were beaming with pride as Evan signed his Letter of Intent. They acknowledged his accomplishments at the grade school and high school levels and looked forward to his intent to play at the collegiate level.
Finally, step-parents Ryan Peck and Haley Bland expressed their pleasure with Evan’s current career and hopes of excelling at the college level with the Shawnee Saints. Brother Landon Knott, girlfriend Paige Thomas and grandfather Todd Bland joined in the celebration along with teammates and friends.
Shawnee Coach Ken Reichert said, “We are very happy to have Evan commit to Shawnee and look forward to seeing him develop into a collegiate player. He has been impressive at the high school and summer league levels and will hopefully adjust to collegiate baseball and help us with Saints Baseball.”
Jacob Wente, CHS Head Baseball Coach, said, “I am happy for Evan and his family that gets to watch him continue his baseball career at Shawnee Community College. Shawnee will be a great fit for Evan academically, socially, and athletically.”
“Evan has put in a lot of time during the summer and school seasons to improve his baseball skills. I’m just really happy for him and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors!”
When interviewed, Evan said, “I am currently undecided regarding my academic desires, but I am excited about getting my general studies out of the way and playing baseball for Coach Reichart at Shawnee. At CHS I pitched and played center field most of the time. At Shawnee I will do whatever Coach Reichart needs me to do to help the Saints be successful.”
To close out his career at CHS and high school in general, Evan achieved a .976 fielding percentage and committed just one error. He recorded a .400 batting average and landed on base at a rate of.515. His overall batting average for the 2024 season at CHS was .500.
Bland definitely was instrumental in helping his YellowJacket squad make it to the IHSA Class 2A Regional Semi-Final round in 2024. For the season Evan accumulated 1 home run, 17 RBI’s and he scored for the Jackets 13 times. In addition he had 7 doubles and 1 triple. Finally, Mr. Bland was walked 16 times and reached base once after being hit by a pitch.
Bland was a key pitcher for the YellowJackets and led the way for their success in 2024. He pitched in 33 innings and achieved a 2.33 ERA. The left hander struck out 57 batters and walked just 37 batters. For the season Bland allowed only 21 hits.
Bland ended his high school career at Chester High School as the Co-MVP. He was a letter winner and was honored both as an All-South Selection as well and an All-Conference member in the Cahokia Conference in the Illinois Division.
At the collegiate level Bland will play baseball for the Shawnee Community College Saints who compete in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I level.
Head Coach Ken Reichart said, “It is too early to state for sure what Evan will be doing for us, however, based upon his high school successes as a pitcher and superb outfielder, it is likely a safe assumption that we will use him both on the mound and in the outfield.”
Chester High School 2024 graduate Evan Bland will continue his baseball career at Shawnee Community College next year as a freshman. He signed a Letter of Intent to play for Head Coach Ken Reichert and the Saints on Tuesday May 14 at Chester High School’s James F. Sharp Cafeteria. Shown here with Bland at the signing were his parents Jessica Peck and Matt Bland. Jim Beers Photo
Evan Bland appears with his Chester YellowJacket coaches at his signing event to play baseball at Shawnee College next fall. Standing with Bland (back row, left to right) are Assistant Coach Matt Davitz, Head Coach Jacob Wente, and Assistant Coach Bryce Bainter. Jim Beers Photo
Chester High School Principal Jeremy Blechle (right) and Assistant Principal Robin Barton (left) were on hand to show support for 2024 CHS Graduate Evan Bland when he signed a Letter of Intent to continue his baseball career next year as a freshman at Shawnee Community College. Jim Beers Photo
Tuesday May 14 when Evan Bland signed a Letter of Intent to continue his baseball career at the collegiate level, 10 members of his 2024 YellowJacket showed up to show him support and congratulate him on his accomplishment. Jim Beers Photo
Chester High School Athletic Director, Jenny Cartwright introduces Evan Bland (center) at his signing event Tuesday May 14 at CHS James F. Sharp Cafeteria. With Bland are his parents Jessica Peck and Matt Bland. Bland will play baseball next year as a freshman at Shawnee Community College. Jim Beers Photo
Chester’s Evan Bland (center, seated) signed a Letter of Intent to play baseball at Shawnee Community College next year when he becomes a freshman. There to provide support and congratulations for Bland were his parents Jessica Peck (seated left) and Matt Bland (seated right). Bland’s CHS Coaches, Athletic Director and Shawnee Saints Coach, were all there to demonstrate support for him. Pictured (left to right) are: Assistant CHS Coach Matt Davitz; CHS Head Coach Jacob Wente; CHS Athletic Director Jenny Cartwright; Shawnee College Head Coach Ken Reichert; and CHS Assistant Coach Bryce Bainter. Jim Beers Photo
Tuesday May 14 when Chester High School graduate Evan Bland signed a Letter of Intent to continue his baseball career at the collegiate level, his father and grandfather were by his side to show support and pride in his decision to play baseball at Shawnee Community College for the Saints. Shown here are the three generations of Bland men including Matt Bland, Evan’s Father, Evan Bland, and Todd Bland, Evan’s Grandfather. Jim Beers Photo
Evan Bland’s family showed up in force to give him support and celebrate his good fortune to be recruited to continue his baseball career at the collegiate level at Shawnee Community College next year as a freshman. Bland will likely pitch and play outfield for the Saints under the direction of Head Coach Ken Reichert . Jim Beers Photo
When Evan Bland signed his Letter of Intent to play baseball next year at Shawnee Community College , he had plenty of family support to help him usher in his collegiate baseball career. Pictured with Evan (center) immediately following his signing, were (seated, left to right) Mother Jessica Peck (left) and Step Mother Haley Bland (right). Standing (left to right) were Ryan Peck, Stepfather (left) and Matt Bland, Father (right). Jim Beers Photo