Putting in the Work

From walk-on to all-conference, Krane thankful for opportunities donors provide

Riley Krane didn’t play high school baseball until his senior year. Playing in college wasn’t something he thought about much, but a chance to walk on at Washburn five years ago turned into a three-time all-conference career and a management degree.

The thought of playing beyond college didn't come until late in his time at Washburn, but it came to fruition when he singed a professional contract with the Windy City Thunderbolts, an independent team with the Frontier League, on June 24. He was hitting .306 with two home runs through his first nine games.

Krane, bba ’16, grew up in Evergreen, Colorado. His dad, John Krane, ba ’86, played baseball at Washburn, and his mom, Shelley Krane, b ed ’87, played tennis. His grandmother, Norma Jones, ba ’52, is also a graduate, making him a third-generation Ichabod. Despite these connections, Washburn wasn’t at the front of his mind until he considered college sports.

"My dad played for Coach Anson and they were still close enough that he gave me a tryout,” He said. “Coach gave me a chance that fall to prove I could be out here. I used that redshirt year to get a grip on the whole college baseball experience.”

His parents prepared him with lessons they learned at Washburn.

“My parents taught me all the great lessons you can learn through the college athlete experience,” he said. “Whether it’s the work you have to put in or time management.”

Working hard in the classroom, he graduated last fall then worked on a minor during his last season of baseball. As an athlete, he stepped into the weight room to improve himself.

“When I came to Washburn, I weighed 160 pounds. I was a little bean pole.”

He took advantage of the Capitol Federal Savings Student Athlete Strength and Conditioning Center, Washburn’s 12,500-square foot weight room.

“I had never seen a weight room like that. You walk in there, and it’s this beautiful room with nice equipment. The success we’ve had on the baseball field wouldn’t be possible without that facility.”

Krane bulked up, improved his athleticism and earned an athletic scholarship after his redshirt freshman year.

“It was really exciting to feel like you were finally making strides and getting into the ground floor of the program.”

Krane quickly worked his way to the top. He’ll see where things take him as he pursues baseball on a higher level this summer knowing he will always have the foundation set from his Washburn education.