Athey, a pitcher/first baseman from Newark, Ohio, posted a 5-1 record on the mound with a 2.72 ERA as a senior at Licking Valley High School. In 46.1 innings of work, he struck out 67 batters while issuing 35 walks. He also hit two home runs, scored nine runs, and drove in 12 runs in just 34 at bats on the season. He was a two-time MSL First Team and District 11 First Team selection and was named the MSL Player of the Year as a junior. He was also named to the Newark Advocate First Team as a senior in 2008 and was chosen as his team’s Pitcher of the Year and Co-Most Valuable Player.

"Darren is a strong right-hander who has had significant success at Licking Valley,” said MVNU head coach Keith Veale, who has posted a 641-310 record in 19 seasons at the helm of the Cougars. "He has pitched in most of their big games over the past couple of years and his additional experience with the Licking A’s this summer will prepare him well for his entrance into the college game. He has the size to continue to develop more velocity as his career unfolds. If he demonstrates command of his pitches, he can compete for innings early in his career.”

In addition to playing baseball at Licking Valley and three years for the Licking County A’s, Athey was a member of the basketball team where he earned the Hustle Award in 2007 and the Coach’s Award in 2008. He has also been involved in the Licking Valley Renaissance Program for three years and is active in the youth group at his church, Marne United Methodist.

"There are several reasons why I chose MVNU,” said Athey of his college choice. "I want to get a good education and I like MVNU’s beautiful campus. I wanted to go to a good Christian school and also be close to home. I also wanted to be a part of a good baseball team. By going to MVNU, I am able to accomplish all of this.”

MVNU is an NAIA school that competes in the American Mideast Conference. The Cougars posted a 39-21 overall record in 2008 and captured the program’s sixth National Christian College Athletic Association national title. The team also advanced to the NAIA Region IX Tournament championship game for the ninth straight year. Over the years, MVNU has had 13 players drafted by Major League teams including Tim Belcher, who was the top pick overall in the 1983 draft. Seven other former players have signed free agent contracts to play professional baseball.