By Thomas Grant Jr.
Even while coaching in college baseball at Newberry and at successful high school baseball programs like Lexington and Dutch Fork, Dell Lever always had “one dream job.”
Monday evening in the Cecil Woolbright Field alumni room, he began to live that reality. Lever was formally introduced as Chapin High School’s new baseball coach.
He replaces longtime head coach Scott McLeod, who led the Eagles to four state titles and 557 career victories in 31 seasons.
“This has been a program that has been historically successful,” Lever said. “The facilities here are top notch. The area, being a member of this community and knowing the programs that are around here as far as travel ball. Irmo Little League, knowing what’s coming up through, I know it’s a gold mine.
“And we can continue to build on what Coach McLeod built in his many years here. Bringing championship caliber baseball back as well as building a championship caliber program. So everything that you can need…as a head coach at a program is here. So this something that I consider a dream job and when it came open, it was one that I really wanted.”
New athletics director Billie Williams praised Wells for his “player-first” mentality and bringing a “contagious energy” which will create “something special” for the Chapin baseball community.
Along with building off the Eagles’ traditional strength of pitching, Lever hopes to add “fresh energy, fresh blood” to the program. More than developing quality baseball players, he always hopes to help them become “better men, better husbands, better fathers, better leaders.”
Chapin finished 18-7 overall last season and were eliminated in the Class 5A Division II District playoffs. They last won a state title in 2018 and compete in Region 4-5A, which has produced three state champions the past six years.
Wever believes his experience coaching at schools like Lexington, Dutch Fork and White Knoll will serve him well in coaching in this region.
“Having played against these teams year in and year out, knowing the type of team you’re going to face, preparing for, it really solidifies you wanting to be a part of it because it’s one of those places where the baseball coverage is there, the community is a baseball community, the parents support baseball.
“So, having played against these teams often in the region we’re in, knowing what we’re going into, I truly believe there’s no better team in this region than the guys in my locker room.”
Photos by Thomas Grant Jr.
