Rowe Gallagher said even as a young athlete, he always knew one day he would play collegiate baseball. That day is one step closer, as Gallagher signed his letter of intent Friday.

Gallagher signed with Wallace State Community College in Hanceville and will begin work with the team after he completes his senior baseball season.

“It’s a big day, taking the next step in my athletic career,” Gallagher said. “This is something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Gallagher said he knew Wallace State was the right choice for him based on the coaches, facility and friends he has who are already playing for the Lions.

Gallagher said he always envisioned himself signing with a Division I team for college but realized spending time at the junior college level was the best fit. “I still want to plan on going on to play Division I, but there are some things I need to improve on,” Gallagher said.

He said he especially wants to spend time developing his velocity and working on developing as a pitcher.

RHS head baseball coach Chris Heaps said he knows Wallace State will develop Gallagher as a player and help him to improve.

“They call JuCo players ‘JuCo bandits’ because if you can handle the workload, you’re one tough customer,” Heaps said. “It’s not a glorified world.”

Heaps said Wallace State is a good fit for Gallagher because he will be pushed every day to succeed.

“Wallace–Hanceville has a great tradition of winning,” Heaps said. “Mental toughness is going to be a requirement every day.”

RHS football coach John Ritter said athletes like Gallagher shine a positive light on Russellville through their accomplishments.

“I’m proud of the time I’ve gotten to spend time with him as his coach,” Ritter said. “He’s a good player, good student and a phenomenal kid, which is what I’m most proud of.”

Although Gallagher already has plans for the fall, his time at Russellville is not over, as he looks forward to playing in his senior baseball season this year with the hopes of winning a state championship.

“We have a great team back this year, and we want that state championship,” Gallagher said. “The goal is to work hard every day and improve to help us reach that goal.”