CourtesyWearing a Shocker baseball uniform is like living a dream for 麻豆破解版 State University senior and pitcher Andy Womack.
Born and raised in 麻豆破解版, Womack, 23, has watched and followed WSU baseball as it has hosted many successful teams. He considers the organization to be a national powerhouse, and with good reason.
In its 78 years, WSU baseball has built a lasting legacy. Among its many high points are 18 Missouri Valley Conference regular-season titles and a 1989 National Championship.
Womack鈥檚 journey as a Shocker began after catching the attention of longtime WSU baseball assistant coach Brent Kemnitz.
Since walking on to the team in 2005 from Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., Womack has been grateful to be part of an organization with such prestige and presence at the Division I level.
He credits a good portion of his success to coaches like Kemnitz who have given him one-on-one attention throughout his baseball career.
Kemnitz said that unlike many pitchers who have to work hard on their release, Womack鈥檚 arm worked fluidly and with ease. His form was only in need of a few corrections.
After making the team, Womack was required to sit out from game play for one year because he was a transfer student. During that time Kemnitz said he never complained.
鈥淗e鈥檚 like a coach鈥檚 dream the way he works hard. As time has gone on he has continued to gain confidence and presence on the mound,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hen he gets on the field he turns into a fierce competitor, and that鈥檚 what you want in a player.鈥�
Womack has transitioned well from Tabor College, a Christian liberal arts school where his fiance Janelle Winger still studies. Because of WSU鈥檚 鈥渟mall school feel,鈥� he has been able to build bonds with students, teammates and teachers.
Womack admits that having a strong faith is not always easy, especially when you鈥檙e an athlete.
鈥淚 just try to love and be supportive of people on the team,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f my peers need something, I鈥檓 there for them.鈥�
Womack contributes to another strength of the WSU baseball organization that is often overlooked: the academic success of its players.
Twenty-three of the team鈥檚 35 players made the Athletic Director鈥檚 Honor Roll in the fall 2007 semester, which requires a 3.0 GPA or better.
Womack, a sports administration major, was one of the student athletes recognized for this achievement.
His last year at WSU is pivotal, and his future will be decided at the end of the season. His two desired paths are major league baseball or working for a sports organization.
Womack is keeping his hope in playing professional baseball and has been contacted by a couple of teams already. His ultimate goal is to play for the Boston Red Sox, a dream since he was a child.