Academics Prove Pivotal for Owen Sondericker Opting to Play Baseball for Fairmont State University
By Jeff Toquinto on January 20, 2026
Bridgeport High School’s quartet of collegiate signings last week ended with a student athlete in a similar position that his father was in decades earlier.
On Tuesday, the Indians Owen Sondericker signed to continue his athletic career in baseball at Fairmont State University. His father, who also played for Coach Robert Shields in the early 1990s, signed to play for West Virginia Wesleyan.
While the DNA carried over in baseball, the academic side of things looks strong as well. Sondericker’s decision to play for the Falcons did not solely rest on what the school offered for baseball. Instead, the thing that nailed his decision was on the academic side.
Sondericker plans to study mechanical engineering and technology.
“I mainly looked at academics … and I saw that Fairmont had the mechanical engineering and technology, which is what I prefer,” said
Sondericker.
Sondericker.
After reaching out to the program, an official visit was set up. From there, the rest is about to be history.
“I loved their campus,” he said. “That’s what helped me decide.”
Before heading to Marion County, Sondericker has some business to finish with the Indians his senior year. He saw action last year at second base and shortstop, as well as innings at first base and as a pitcher, according to Shields. This year they will again take advantage of his versatility, but Shields says second base will be Sondericker’s main area.
“He’s quiet-natured and a well-driven athlete whose primary focus is baseball,” said Shields. “He’s managed to fight through some injuries and in the process he’s gotten bigger and stronger.”
Even with the injuries, he was productive last year. Shields said he batted.302 with 27 RBIs to go along with 96 hits and only 13 strikeouts. On the mound, he got in 23 innings, going 2-0 by beating Wheeling Park and Frankfort, Shields said.
Playing against the gauntlet of top foes Shields regularly puts on the schedule proved helpful in his development, Sondericker said.
“It’s really helped with the competition. Coach Shields always tries to have us play the best teams in the state, try our best, and work hard,” Sondericker said.
While academics were key, the closeness of Fairmont State University did not hurt in his final decision.
“It helped a lot. I can come back home and visit my parents,” he said.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Owen Sondericker with family, friends, teammates, and coaches at last Tuesday's signing. Bottom photo, by Joe LaRocca, shows Sondericker taking a cut at the plate.
