Owen Mullins, a senior at Washington High School, on April 7 signed a letter of intent to attend Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, located in Terre Haute, Indiana.
He will study mechanical engineering and be a member of the Fightin’ Engineers baseball team.
It came down to two schools, Mullins said.
“I think the main deciding factor was probably, a lot of it was what I can do there,” Mullins said. “I can pretty much do the same thing at either college; no wrong choices.
“I think it boiled down to placement rate after graduation,” Mullins said. “And, I can play baseball, as well.
“I’ve decided to major in mechanical engineering with a concentration in aerospace,” Mullins said. “Rocket science, really.”
Mullins was also considering Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.
“I grew up here,” Mullins said of Washington Court House. “All of my friends are here. But, I’m ready to leave, get out and see some new places, meet new people.
“I’d like to thank my parents, because I wouldn’t be here without them,” Mullins said. “My teammates and coaches, for being here today. It means a lot to have their support. And my brother, as well.”
As for baseball, Mullins said he remembers playing the game since he was 6 or 7 years old.
“I’ve played T-ball and Little League, then high school baseball and now in college,” Mullins said.
As for a favorite subject or subjects in high school, Mullins said, “It’s probably up between physics and AP calculus.
“My favorite teacher is Mr. (Matt) Rader, no doubt about it,” Mullins said.
What would be Mullins’ keys to a successful college experience?
“I’d say, for both of them (academics and athletics) it really just boils down to hard work, focus, determination, not giving up, really,” Mullins said.
“Owen is an infielder, he mostly plays third,” Washington head baseball coach Mark Schwartz said. “He’s played a little second base for us this year.
“Rose-Hulman is getting a well-rounded individual,” Schwartz said. “This young man is a great student. Owen is probably, if not the hardest worker I’ve had as a coach, he’s one of the top ones. He does a lot of work behind the scenes, on his own that nobody knows. He’s constantly in the gym, he’s always working on his baseball. He’s going to be very successful going forward.”
