Lichtenauer Ready To Make A Difference At Ohio University

Evan Lichtenauer LHP / OF / Licking Valley, OH / 2025

NEWARK - There was only one visit and no other offers. Evan Lichtenauer did not need any. He found his college destination less than two hours from home after being invited to Ohio University in September.

“The campus, the whole vibe and (pitching) coach (Tim) Brown are the main things that got me when I was there,” the Licking Valley junior related.

It was the lone college trip the 19th-rated 2025 left-handed pitcher in Ohio would require with an offer and commitment wrapping up a recruiting process with the Mid-American Conference school that began 10 months prior.

“In December of last year a teammate on the Hitmen, Colton Landtiser, had committed there and when the season came up OU came and watched him a few times,” Lichtenauer reflected. “Coach Jon (Pyles) would throw me a few innings for exposure when they were there. At Beavers Field in the Buckeye Elite Tournament I threw after Colton and their pitching coach was there and told coach Jon things he liked.

“Three weeks later I threw at Grand Park and (assistant) coach (Kirby) McGuire was there and saw one of my best games strike percentage wise,” Lichtenauer continued. “After that we went back and forth talking and eventually coach Brown invited me to a camp in late August. I went to the camp and ended up getting two innings in and did really well. After that coach Brown wanted me on an official visit.”

It was then that Lichtenauer, who also gave credit to Andrew Westbrook for a connection with Ohio U in benefitting his recruitment, discovered his college destination.

“I toured the whole campus,” Lichtenauer said. “The biggest thing was the campus feel. It was not too big and not too small, it was a happy medium. Everyone seemed happy there. People seem to love OU after they graduate from there.

“On the visit I introduced myself to the baseball team,” the 17-year-old added. “They were good guys that you could tell love playing ball there.”  

The coaches of the Bobcats had good things to say about the 5-10 160-pound southpaw.

“One of the things coach Brown said about me was he liked my command,” Lichtenauer noted. “I’ve never been a big velo guy, but I’ve always been able to pound the zone. I’ve never overpowered guys with the fastball but I like to think I’m up there with the craftiness of others.”

That is an area where the 152nd-ranked junior in Ohio has made strides.

“I’ve really improved my ability to hit spots,” Lichtenauer related. “To that I give credit to my (Hitmen) coach Rick Mulinix. Coach Rick has always been a big guy about hitting spots. He doesn’t care how hard you throw, it’s about spots and that’s helped me. If you can hit spots it’s a game changer.”

The thought of pitching at the next level began while playing 10U ball for the Licking County Athletics.

“Pitching is something I’ve always enjoyed, it’s my safe space,” Lichtenauer explained about his passion for the game and desire to continue playing. “It’s the one spot where there's no pressure on me. I’m confident with what I can do out there.”

It was the summer of 2022 when Lichtenauer pitched in the PBR National Championship game in Georgia when the recruiting process took off.

“I threw a complete game with 10 Ks and four pickoffs,” Lichtenauer noted. “It was awesome to do that in front of all those schools watching. That’s the first time I got college interest. Then last fall I went and played in the State Games.

“I just went to the PBR National Championships again and pitched and Xavier was there. They wanted me to come to a camp but I went to OU before that and that set the deal.”

Lichtenauer is confident with his ability to make a difference at the university in Athens, an hour and 40 minutes from Newark.

“I can see me bringing a leadership mentality,” Lichtenauer explained. “I’ve always been a leader, I like to lead by example. That’s one of the biggest traits about me. I’ll also bring a winning mentality to the program to help bring even more success there.”

It has the Licking Valley 11th grader excited about his future at OU.

“I’m looking forward to the grind,” Lichtenauer said. “I’ve always been happy with baseball but I’m a multi-sport athlete now. I think being in a throwing program and finally getting to the season, there will be nothing like it.”

History or sports medicine are potential college majors for the 3.8 student, thrilled to have his commitment official.

“When coach Moore and I had the talk in his office after the official visit and he offered, it was so surreal,” concluded Lichtenauer, referring to OU head coach Craig Moore. “I was sitting there thinking I worked my whole life for this. It was so awesome. He said give it a day, but I knew. I called the next day and said I want to be a Bobcat.”

There was no need for any other visit.