Eric Chalus, Jr. is a standout left-handed pitcher for the Hawks baseball team and has struck fear into opposing teams’ players and coaches when he’s seen on the mound. He is a man of hard work and diligence.

This ultimately led him to announce his verbal commitment to Kent State University (Divison 1 men’s baseball) back in December of 2019.

All of his hard work came to reality on National Signing Day (Nov. 11) when he, in the presence of his coaches, teammates, and family, got to sign his National Letter of Intent to continue his academic and athletic career at Kent State University. He plans on majoring in sports administration.

When asked what made him want to go to Kent State the most, he said, “Kent State had that home feeling once I first stepped on campus. The coaches were friendly and the environment overall just seems welcoming.”

Chalus is known as a very easy going, happy, and hard-working guy. Everyone loves being around him; however, when it’s time to get down to business, he gives 110% effort and is serious about honing his craft.

In his freshman and sophomore year campaigns, he put up video-game-like stats.

In 34 innings of work his freshman year, he compiled a 4-1 record, a 1.18 ERA, and struck out 29 batters. Anyone would say that’s a stellar season but just wait ’till you see his sophomore year stats.

Chalus pitched to a 6-1 record, a 1.12 ERA, and struck out 63 batters! He was straight-up UNHITTABLE. All of this came in arguably the hardest section in the WPIAL.

Of course, his junior year season was canceled due to the coronavirus.

As a senior, he will look to build on his already elite pitching career.

When asked about his favorite high school baseball memory, he said: “My favorite high school memory has to be when I was a freshman. I pitched in the game against Canon-Mac for the section title. I pitched well and it was a great team win. Great first experience of a dog pile on the pitcher’s mound.”

His personal goal is to get drafted to the MLB and become a top pitcher for years to come. Knowing Chalus, there is no doubt that whatever he puts his mind to, he will be able to accomplish.