Magnolia High School baseball standout Mason Rine, seated right center, is flanked by MHS Head Baseball Coach Dave Cisar as he signs to continue his academic and baseball interests at Ohio Valley University this fall. Also in the photo, standing, are Mason’s parents, Missy and Derek Rine. (Photo by Bruce Crawford)

Magnolia High School’s Mason Rine will take his impressive athletic and academic credentials to Ohio Valley University this fall, where he has signed to play baseball for Bob Crawford and Ryne Romick, while studying for an undecided degree.

Rine was a four-year starter for his MHS Mentor and has received honors in All-OVAC, All-State, and All-Valley, as well as other baseball accolades throughout his high school career.

Ohio University Head Baseball Coach Crawford, the Wetzel Chronicle Sports Writer Bruce Crawford’s little brother, was impressed with Mason’s speed, quickness, and batting skills. He will most likely play at second base, although he will take with him experience at multiple slots, such as pitching. He should get abundant playing time and an opportunity to immediately impact Crawford’s baseball program.

During his four-year career at Magnolia, Rine has helped the Eagles to a 77-25 record that included the 2006 Class AA State Championship during his freshman season.

He has batting averages of .418 and .344 over the past two seasons. He stole 18 bases in 19 attempts during his senior season and only committed one error in each of the last two seasons. “He not only is an excellent hitter, he is an outstanding bunter and does all the intangibles that a good baseball player does: sacrifice and move players in scoring position, steal bases.

“Mason is one of the best players ever to play at Magnolia during my time as coach,” said Blue Eagle Baseball Head Coach Dave Cisar. “He is very versatile, has the passion for the game, and has served as co-captain. He has played Legion ball the last three years-that will help him throughout his days at Ohio Valley. Mason can play many positions. He is a gentleman on and off the field and coaches Crawford and Romick are getting not only a fine player, but a fine young man,” said Cisar. “He is dedicated and has a great opportunity to have a nice career at Ohio Valley.