OKOTOKS, AB - A lot has changed for Boston Warkentin.

There was a 10-hour move from Ladner to Okotoks.

Reclassification took place at the new academy.

Perhaps most importantly, the 17-year-old has decided on a future home with the University of Washington.

“Since I was a kid, Washington has been my dream school,” noted Warkentin, the 18th-rated Canadian in the 2021 class prior to the reclassification. “It’s a two-hour drive from my home (in Ladner) and the academics are great which is a big plus for me. Being a Power Five conference, you get to play against the best of the best.”

Interest in the 6-2 215-pound right-handed pitcher did not begin until this calendar year.

“They saw a lot of video and data on me that my coaches relayed,” Warkentin said. “I threw a bullpen with the radar up so the coaches could see and it caught their eyes.”

The numbers on the gun have changed over the past year since arriving at Okotoks Academy.

“I was sitting 81, topping at 85, but since I got here back in the fall I’ve been putting work in the weight room to try and be better at my craft,” Warkentin noted. “Now I’m sitting 86-88 and topping at 90. My progression is pretty insane to me.”

Washington was impressed enough with Warkentin to give an offer in mid-July.

“They like my competitive nature and that I compete to the best of my ability,” Warkentin explained. “They like my fastball and they like my offspeed which competes in there.”

On July 19, Warkentin made it official with a commitment to the Pac-12 Conference school.

“I was able to talk to coach (Elliott) Cribby (the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator) with what they do in the offseason and what their goals are,” Warkentin said. “Their goals are to get guys drafted. Their record shows from the past. They have a reputation.

“Their coaches are competitors,” added Warkentin. “We’re going to play against the best which is what I want and they’re going to make me the best.”

Competitiveness is a distinctive characteristic of Warkentin.

“I want to be one of the top arms there is out there,” Warkentin said. “That’s my goal and I think I can achieve that.”

The decision to join the 2022 class gives Warkentin more time to grow.

“It gives me an extra year to develop,” explained Warkentin, who reclassified in June. “Now I can be that much better going into college.”

Playing baseball at the next level is something Warkentin has strived to do.

“As soon as I started baseball I’ve always wanted to play in college,” Warkentin reflected. “I’ve always wanted to get drafted and college baseball is the step in between.”

The recruiting process went quickly in the eyes of Warkentin.

“It all transpired so fast,” Warkentin admitted. “I wasn’t expecting it to go so fast, but when I got the offer it was a dream come true.

“Honestly, it was very tough for me and my parents. We were all very new to it. My coaches were helpful in that regard. It was fast … but fun for sure.”

Jeff Duda and Tyler Hollick, coaches at Okotoks, were among those playing key roles in the process.

“Moving to Okotoks was helpful in getting me where I am today,” Warkentin said. “My family has been very supportive. Paul Bach and Dave Romaniuk were big impacts for me from a younger age and people I still talk to to this day. Being part of the Delta Tigers and North Delta Blue Jays’ organizations also helped me.”

Washington is the right fit according to Warkentin.

“I had some good offers which made the decision tough, but it was hard to pass up what I got from Washington,” Warkentin said. “Washington has been my favorite since I was a kid.”

The location, two hours from his parents home, added to the joy.

“We’re all really excited to be so close to home so they can come and watch,” Warkentin said. “To commit to where I wanted to go for a very long time is all so surreal for me.”