Runge sealed the deal Wednesday February 7 at signing event at CHS James F. Cafeteria
By Jim Beers
CHESTER – Chester High School senior, Aden Runge, has decided to attend Shawnee Community College next fall after graduating from CHS this May of 2024. He plans to focus on studying to become as teacher and wants to coach along with teaching.
Aden Runge (center) signed a letter of intent Wednesday February 7 to play baseball next year at Shawnee Community College. Pictured with Runge (front row, sitting is Aden’s Mother, Farrah Fricke, Aden Runge, and Aden’s Father, Aaron Runge. (Back row, standing) Shawnee Head Coach, Ken Reichert, CHS Head Baseball Coach, Jacob Wente, and CHS Assistant Baseball Coach, Matt Davitz. Jim Beers Photo
He has also received an invitation to play baseball for the Shawnee Community College Saints. Coach, Ken Reichert said, “We are very glad to be getting Aden at Shawnee. He will likely be playing in the infield, but at this time, it is impossible to determine that. I am really hoping to be taking advantage of his hitting skills”.
Shawnee Community College was founded in 1967 and is a public, rural institution. Shawnee sports are played at the Junior College level with the Saints laying in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference.
Athletics play an important role in the educational process of Shawnee Community College students. The college offers a wide range of recreational sports and athletics for students.
Outstanding coaching in both the men’s and women’s divisions makes the athletic programs first class. The college is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association. All teams participate in a Division I Region 24 and National Tournaments.
Pictured are teammates of Aden Runge, CHS senior Baseball player who signed a letter of intent Wednesday February 7 at James F. Sharp Cafeteria at Chester High School. The signing event included members of his current YellowJackets Baseball Team. Runge will play baseball next year as a freshman at Shawnee Community College for Coach, Ken Reichert and his Saints. Jim Beers Photo
Aden is the son of Aaron Runge and Farrah Fricke. He was born February 13, 2006. His siblings are Avery Runge and Piper Runge.
Aden attended St. John Lutheran High School in Chester. He had keen interests in numerous sports while in grade school including baseball, basketball, and track. During the summer he swam for the Sparta Stingrays Swim Team. In the fall he played football for the Stinger’s Football Program. He was a Betas Club Member at St. John.
After graduating from St. John Lutheran elementary school, Aden began his secondary education at Chester High School. At CHS he is a member of the “HIVE” Pep Club, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He earned the Annual Eric Skorcz Award in sports.
His favorite classes at CHS are Physical Education (P.E.) and his Agriculture classes. He excelled in both Football and Baseball for the YellowJackets and will be beginning his final season of YellowJacket Baseball Monday February 26 for Head Coach, Jacob Wente.
Aden said, “My main interest is hanging out with friends in my spare time. In the summertime I play Missouri Bulls Baseball, I swim and enjoy bow fishing.”
Runge signed his letter of intent Wednesday February 7 at CHS James F. Sharp Cafeteria with family, friends, fellow baseball players, media, and CHS Administrators and staff in attendance.
Aden Runge (middle) and CHS Baseball Coaches Jacob Wente (left) and Matt Davitz (right) pose for a photo following Aden’s official signing to play baseball next year at Shawnee Community College. Jim Beers Photo
Following Aden Runge’s signing to play baseball next year at Shawnee Community College, he poses for a photo with his mother’s side of the family. Sitting with Aden at the signing table are (left to right) Avery Runge, Sister; Aden Runge, and Farrah Fricke, Mother. Standing ( left to right): John Burber, Grandfather, Connie Burber, Grandmother, and Hank Fricke, Step-Father. Jim Beers Photo
CHS Head Baseball Coach, Jacob Wente said, “I am really happy for Aden and the opportunity he will have to play baseball at the Junior College level in a very competitive conference.”
“Aden is a kid who has a passion for the game and has worked hard, not only during the school seasons, but in the summer as well. Shawnee will be a great fit for him academically, socially, and athletically. We wish him the best at Shawnee!”
Aden’s father, Aaron Runge said, “We couldn’t be more excited about Aden signing a letter of intent with Shawnee Community College to further his academic and athletic careers. Shawnee is a great fit for Aden to extend his goal of becoming a teacher, a coach, and his love for baseball which he has had from a very early age.”
Aden Runge poses for a picture with his Father, Step-Mother, and sisters following the conclusion of his official signing to play baseball at Shawnee Community College next year. Pictured (sitting, left to right) are Avery Runge, Sister, Aden Runge, and Little Sister, Piper Runge. (Standing left to right) are Aaron Runge, Father and Colleen Runge, Step-Mother. Jim Beers Photo
Aden Runge signed to play baseball at Shawnee College next year a a freshman at an official signing event held Wednesday February 7 at the CHS James F. Sharp Cafeteria. Pictured is Aden’s family who was on hand to celebrate with him, (Sitting, left to right) are: Farrah Fricke, Mother, Aden Runge, Aaron Runge, Father, and Little Sister, Piper Runge. (Standing, left to right) are: Hank Fricke, Step Father, John Barber, Maternal Grandfather, Connie Barber, Maternal Grandmother, Wanda Carpenter, Paternal Grandmother, Avery Runge, Sister, and Colleen Runge, Step-Mother. Jim Beers Photo
“Aden has always had a love for all sports, but at the end of the day, it always seemed to come back to baseball as his true love and talent. Aden has put in many hours training over the years and I feel Shawnee seeing that in Aden is a reward for all of his hard work.”
“Aden being able to play baseball at the next level while earning an education is a blessing from above. I would like to thank all of Aden’s previous teachers, coaches, trainers, and teammates who have always had belief and faith in him as a player and leader, because without all of you, this isn’t possible.”
“Aden plans to take his talent and love for baseball for as long as his blessings will allow, and then pass on that knowledge to young students and athletes like him. We can’t wait to see what his future holds.”