War Eagles success fueled Warren's rise to CMU

SIKESTON — Before the college offers, there was a boy just learning to love the game.

Now, years later, that passion and drive have earned Beau-Hunter Warren a roster spot with the Central Methodist University baseball team.

The defining shift in his perspective began when he was about nine years old and joined the SEMO War Eagles, a travel team synonymous with success, with many of its former players moving on to college rosters.

Beau Warren leads off second base�during Portageville's 11-1 win over South Pemiscot in the MSHSAA Class 2 District 1 Championship at Meatte Park in Portageville, Mo., on Wednesday, May 18, 2023. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

The War Eagles weren't just about having fun; it was a proving ground, and facing top-tier teams ignited a hunger to excel that would transform Warren's approach to the game.

“[Joining the team] was the defining moment of my baseball career,” said the Portageville senior. “It sparked my competitive nature for the game, and it was at a point in my baseball career where I began the understand the grind and the sacrifices that come along with this game. "

The intensity within the team was as fierce as the competition they faced. 'Steel sharpens steel,' as they say, and that internal drive to be the best pushed each player, including Warren, to new heights.

Beau-Hunter Warren (22) prepares to throw a pitch during Portageville's 7-1 win over Oran at Meatte Park in Portageville on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Photo courtesy of Sonya Johnson

“Sure, it started as having fun, traveling, making memories with my teammates,” Warren said. “But the more we played against each other, the fiercer that competitive fire burned. We even took on teams way above our age group, and that hunger to win only grew stronger. Facing those incredible teams from across the country — That's what taught me to be ready to battle every single game, to seize every chance. That's how this relentless drive to win became a part of who I am."

The War Eagles weren't just a team; they were a winning machine. Their trophy case held proof – a Missouri 10U State Championship in 2016 and a 12U USSSA World Series title in 2018. Warren wasn't just along for the ride; he was a driving force, his performance earning him the World Series MVP award.

Surrounded by that winning spirit, his competitive nature intensified, pushing him to strive further.

Portageville's Beau Hunter-Warren (22) throws to first base for a double play�during a 10-0 win over Twin Rivers in the MSHSAA Class 3, District 1 Championship at Meatte Park in Portageville, Missouri on Monday, May 15.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

“Being named the MVP made me feel like I was that dude for our team,” he said. “It motivated me when moving on to junior high and high school. It made me feel as if all of the work that I had been putting in had paid off, but I still knew to succeed at the next level, I would have to work even harder.”

For many War Eagles, the team was a brotherhood. For Warren, it was family. His father, Jon, wasn't just in the stands; he was on the sidelines as a coach. That bond, forged in the intensity of practice and the thrill of victory, also shaped Warren's approach to the game.

“My dad sparked my love for the game,” he said. “He coached me until junior high and showed me what baseball was all about.”

Portageville's Beau Hunter-Warren (22) sprints�during a 10-5 win over Ellington at Meatte Park on Saturday, May 6, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Warren's family was a bedrock of values and support. His parents nurtured his early years, and his grandfather became a guiding star as he matured.

“My biggest role models are my parents because they have taught me so many things throughout my life and have had such a positive impact on me,” Warren said. “The biggest individual in my life was my grandpa, who passed away a few years ago. He was my best friend and I try my hardest to go and play the game the way that he would want me to.”

Warren doesn’t rely on raw talent alone. His hustle is a powerful asset.

Portageville's Beau Hunter-Warren (22) goes for a catch�during a 10-5 win over Ellington at Meatte Park on Saturday, May 6, 2023.�Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

"My greatest strength as an athlete is my ability to go all out all the time," he said. "Whether it be in a routine drill or a crucial moment of a big game."

That determination, that 'all-in' mentality, sets him apart and propelled him through years of competitive baseball. However, he’s also aware of the challenges ahead.

“The one thing I want to work on as a ball player is how I battle against a tough environment because once I get to college, it will be a whole different scene,” Warren said. “It will be how I can adapt to these changes that will help with my success at the next level."

Portageville's Beau-Hunter Warren (22) scores during 9-4 loss to South Callaway in a MSHSAA Class 3 semifinal at Sky Bacon Stadium in Ozark, Missouri, on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

His self-awareness and desire to constantly improve show a maturity that will serve him well at the collegiate level.

CMU is located in Fayette, Missouri, and competes at the NAIA Division I level within the Heart of America Athletic Conference. This conference is known for its competitive baseball programs, positioning Warren to face even tougher rivals as he continues his career. The Eagles’ baseball program has a strong reputation, consistently producing players who advance to professional leagues. This history of success bodes well for Warren, whose relentless work ethic positions him to thrive.

“I chose CMU because it was the best fit for me,” Warren said. “When I say this I am not just talking about it from an athletic standpoint; I am talking about it from an all-around perspective. The campus was amazing and everyone was super friendly, making it feel like the place for me.

Portageville's Beau Hunter-Warren (22) takes a swing during�a 6-5 win in extra innings over Scott City in the MSHSAA Class 3 Sectional Round at Meatte Park in Portageville, Missouri on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

“Going into college will be a very different experience for me,” he continued. “But I will not let that hold me back from making the most of my time while being there. I plan to work day in and day out, improving my game while maintaining a great academic status as well.”

Warren’s story isn't just about athletic achievement; it's about dedication, self-improvement, and a well-rounded approach to life. His goals encompass both sports and academics.

“I want to play baseball as long as possible,” he said. “And graduate with a biology or pre-med degree. I plan to go into pharmacy school to get my pharmaceutical degree and then one day run my own pharmacy.”

This balance is a testament to the values instilled by his family, the coaches who shaped him, and the community that cheered him on. As he begins this new chapter at CMU, the foundation he's built promises a bright future, no matter where the journey takes him.