Eppler taking talents to China

Tyler Eppler will pitch for a new team this year. The Navasota High School graduate has signed with the Fubon Guardians of the Chinese Professional Baseball League, as reported on the team’s online site Jan. 6.

The 30-year-old pitched for the Kiwoom Heroes in the Korea Baseball Organization last year and for the Orix Buffaloes in the Nippon Professional Baseball (Japan)in2019. The right-hander started 25 of his 33 appearances for the Heroes and finished with a 6-8 record and 4.30 earned run average.

Eppler began his professional career in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and spent the 2021 season with the Washington Nationals Triple A affiliate.

Football

Quarterback Shelton Eppler is returning to the Fundidores de Monterrey, an American team based in Mexico. The Navasota alumnus led the team to the league championship the past season and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player.

University of Mary Hardin- Baylor offensive guard Jesse Hoke was named to the all-American Southwest Conference second team. The former Richards resident had a 92 percent grade and allowed one quarterback sack, according to the team’s online site.

Men’s basketball

Graduate student Trajan Wesley of Prairie View A & M University is sidelined while recovering from a concussion, according to head coach Byron Smith. The Navasota resident in his first season with the Panthers after four years with University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Before being sidelined, the guard made three consecutive starts, which included scoring a season-high 10 against Oklahoma State. He averaged 3.3 points in the six games he played.

Men’s track and field

Navasota graduate David Turner scored for Earlham College by placing fifth in the triple jump at a Dec. 1-2 meet, the indoor opener. The sophomore finished 17th in the 200-meter run.

Softball

Out of Navasota High, Mia Nunez is a freshman on the Prairie View A & M roster.

Send updates about area athletes to Barbara Boxleitner at jdanddoc@gmail.com.