Seniors take a look back at 4 winning years on the field
The Mount Vernon Nazarene University baseball team will graduate four seniors who have helped build the tradition of Cougar baseball.
Pitcher Bryce Arledge, second baseman Jaime Montero, pitcher Jacob Chrysler and leftfielder Corey Gould will all wrap up their college careers this spring.
The four seniors have helped the Cougars put together an overall record of 147-62 over their four years as Cougars.
They have made it to the NAIA National Championship twice, won the Crossroads League tournament twice, and have secured a spot in the league tournament all four years at MVNU.
Arledge is a main figure in the pitching rotation this year. He is 8-5 from the mound so far this season with 55 strikeouts and an ERA of 4.63.
Montero, from Coto Laurel, Puerto Rico, made the transition from third base to second after coming back from an injury last season.
He carries a .365 batting average, with 13 doubles, two triples, six home runs and 41 RBI.
Montero said MVNU made him a better baseball player and a better person.
“The program has taught me to value every second I spent grinding with my brothers because it goes by so fast,” Montero said.
“I also feel like I have become a better person over the years thanks to the morals and values we try to implement as a team.”
Montero plans to go to medical school in the fall of 2018.
Chrysler is 4-2 from the mound this season with a 4.16 ERA. He has struck out 55 batters this year. In just 17 at-bats, Chrysler has 11 hits for a .647 average and eight RBI.
Chrysler hopes to find a job as a financial planner, and said his baseball experiences will help him “coach” his clients.
“Just like in baseball, everyone needs a coach to help encourage, correct, and guide them towards their goals,” Chrysler said. “I hope to take what I learned about hard work, integrity and anticipation from the baseball field to my future clients.”
Chrysler also gave his teammates some advice for the time they have left at MVNU.
“Hard work is invaluable. Enjoy the ride, and take every chance to do something for your teammates,” he said.
“Don’t be afraid to challenge people, and always remember why you play the game,” he said.
Gould, who plans to attend medical school, holds a .292 batting average. He has 12 doubles, one home run and 33 RBI this season.
Gould advised the underclassmen to “just cherish every second of your time here with the guys and don’t take it for granted.”
“Play the game like a child, but act like men. We’ve been blessed with the ability to continue playing the game we love, so never forget that.”