Before going on to be a successful pitcher for William Jewel College, Wes Blanton was a leader on two El Dorado teams that played for state championships. Wes played for the 1968 Elks State Champions and for the 1972 Post 81 Team that was State runner-up. In the 1972 State Tournament, Blanton hit .467 and was one hit short of winning the tourney-batting crown. In his legion career, Wes posted ERA's of 2.37, 2.14 and 1.00. In 1971, he hurled threes shutouts, struck out 65 while walking only 14 an had a string of 30 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run.

Wes is still listed among the leaders for El Dorado High School in several pitching categories. Some of these are: second in career wins 11, second in career winning percentage at .786 (11-3) and sixth in strikeouts with 91. In 1970, he came within two batters of a perfect game against Kapaun, giving up only a single in the fifth and another man reached on an error. In 1971, Wes threw a one hit shutout against Circle and beat eventual State Champion Kapaun on a four-hitter.

At William Jewel, Wes posted a career record of 12-5. Wes continues to contribute to William Jewel as a founder an first President of the Cardinal Club Athletic Booster Organization. Wes lives in Liberty, Missouri with his wife Debbie, and three children, Brooke, Ben and Brett.