JSerra | OC Catholic

EPISODE #117
CATHOLIC SPORTS VIEW: GUESTS ARE BRETT ORMSBY AND ROB WIGOD

Each week, Bob Gibson interviews coaches and players throughout the various Catholic high schools in Orange County.

We focus this week on the CIF water polo playoffs as we talk with the head coach of the top team in Southern California, JSerra’s Brett Ormsby. Then we visit with the commissioner of the CIF Southern Section, Rob Wigod. The issue at hand is the shortage of game officials in high school sports. How are the powers-that-be trying to alleviate the issue?

Podcast (catholic_sports_view): Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

ON THE RISE

Prior to saying goodbye to the Class of 2021, several senior high school athletes were recognized this spring for their commitments to play college athletics.

At Santa Margarita Catholic High School, eight athletes across six sports signed collegiate letters of intent.

From the gridiron, Roman Sergi will be playing football for Wheaton College in Illinois, and Keanu Rebuldela-Kama is headed to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

The Eagles also saw two from their baseball program make commitments. Spencer Johnson committed to George Fox University, and Matt Flaharty will be playing at the University of Utah.

McKenna Bradley signed with UC Santa Barbara for track and field. Maya Robilio will be golfing for Sacred Heart University. Miles Fujimoto committed to Chapman University for swimming, and Kai Solomon will be playing lacrosse for Tufts University.

“These student athletes have persevered through so much, remained upbeat and positive and have weathered one of the craziest storms,” said former Santa Margarita Assistant Athletic Director, Sean Zeitler. “We are just so proud of them and their families and look forward to seeing what they do in the future.”

From Mater Dei High School, Sebastian Guzman is headed to Washington University in St. Louis for baseball, and teammate Brenden Morris committed to Colorado Mesa University. Soccer players Ceanna Doria and Abigail Hampton have both signed with Southern Methodist University (SMU). Golfer Lauren Calvillo signed with Trinity College. Nick Hoffmeyer will be playing volleyball for Concordia University Irvine. Cheerleaders Kaitlyn Bujajowski and Angelique Vasquez are headed to Rutgers University and Morehead State University, respectively. Samantha Sloan committed to Chapman University for track and field, and Tait Vigeland will be running cross country for the University of Portland.

JSerra Catholic High School saw 11 of their senior athletes make college commitments. Addison Barrette will be playing rugby for the University of Arizona. Women’s lacrosse player Shelby Blanchart will be attending Western New England University, and men’s lacrosse player Jacob Bledsoe signed with Calvin University.

From the soccer pitch, Max Carvalho committed to UC San Diego, and Connor Walcott is headed to the United States Naval Academy. Ashley Craig will be playing sand volleyball for DeSales University. Tennis player Kaley Houshmand signed with Westmont College. Fencer Sarah Lacson is headed to Cornell University. Jeff Muller will be playing water polo for LMU. Alex Stein signed to play basketball for Bethesda University, and golfer Heejo Hyun is headed to Emory University.

“These student athletes have risen beyond our expectations and driven themselves to thrive, when the message heard from many directions has been to survive,” said JSerra Athletic Director, Chris Ledyard. “And thrive is what they have done.”

At Rosary Academy, five athletes signed letters of intent to play at the collegiate level. Water polo players Alexys Puche is headed to Whittier College, Mia Solorzano committed to LMU and Nicole Salerno signed with Iona College. Lacrosse player Alli Mitts is also headed to Whittier College and soccer player Kate Goggins will play for Boston College.

Servite High School recognized 12 of their senior athletes who made college commitments. From the baseball diamond, Carlos Rodriguez is headed to Northern Vermont University, and PJ Wendler will play for Claremont McKenna. Football running back Kyle Bandy signed with the University of La Verne, and defensive end Ben Florentine committed to the University of Wyoming.

Three athletes from the Friars’ soccer program made commitments including Denzel Barrientos, who will play for Hope International University, while Jesus Melgoza, is headed to LMU and Justin Nodarse signed with Concordia University Irvine.

Three of Servite’s volleyball athletes committed to continue their playing careers. Matthew Albano committed to Hiram College, Colin Ryan committed to UC Merced and Peter Selcho signed with UC San Diego.

Rounding out the Friars’ signing group is basketball player Andrew Cook who is headed to Carroll College and lacrosse player Bryton Hickok who signed with the University of Tampa.

We couldn’t be prouder of this group of young men,” said Servite Athletic Director, Alan Clinton. “In a year that brought so many twists and turns, each of these talented student athletes overcame the obstacles in front of them and achieved their dream of playing at the next level, a feat that was made even harder by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grit and determination they showed is inspiring. On behalf of the Servite Athletic department, we wish them the best of luck as they take the next steps in becoming the men God called them to be.”

SANTA MARGARITA, JSERRA STUDENTS SIGN LETTERS OF INTENT

While high school sports may not yet be in action, student athletes from across Orange County still participated in the first National Signing Day of the 2020-21 school year.

Safely distanced ceremonies took place at Orange County’s Catholic high schools, including Santa Margarita Catholic High School who saw 29 of their senior athletes make college commitments.

From the softball diamond, the Eagles had five players commit to playing at the collegiate level. Miranda Lista is headed to Abilene Christian University. Brooke Owens will be playing for Grand Canyon University. Abigail Charpentier committed to Santa Clara University. Angela Yellen signed with University of Washington, and Jayci Kruse will play for University of Missouri.

The school’s baseball program saw three players make commitments. Colby Wallace signed with University of Washington. Ethan Flanagan is headed to UCLA, and Jack Collins will play for California State University, Northridge.

From the pitch, five girls soccer players signed to continue their playing careers at the next level. Sophia Pearlman signed with Colorado State University. Gianna Christiansen and Grace Klosinski will both play for University of Arizona. Mackenzie MacMillan committed to Boise State University, and Lauren Memloy will play for TCU.

Santa Margarita’s girls volleyball program had four players make college commitments. Lauren Perri is headed to University of San Francisco. Brooke Bryant committed to San Jose State University. McKenna Thomas will play for Pepperdine University’s sand volleyball program, and Dominique Drust is headed to New York University.

Seven water polo players from across the school’s boys and girls programs made college signings. Camille Mras, Melanie Damato and Marko Maramica all committed to University of California, Santa Barbara. Speedy Laster is headed to Stanford University. Cole McKechnie will play water polo at the United Stated Naval Academy. Matty Walsh signed with Pepperdine University, and Ben Kirshon committed to Brown University.

Cross country and distance track runner Kendall Saeger committed to SMU. Gianna Medica will play golf for Butler University. In acrobatics and tumbling, Bethany Glick committed to University of Oregon, and Reagan McMahon signed with Gannon University. And from the pool, Alex Ispas will swim for Northwestern University.

“Our 2020 Fall National Signing Day Ceremony was one of the largest in our school’s history, acknowledging 29 fine young men and women,” says Santa Margarita Athletic Director, Annie Mai-Garrett. “Today is a testament to the hard work and dedication these students have put forth in the classroom and in their respective sports. With all of the adversity our athletes have dealt with these past nine months, we were grateful to celebrate these athletes’ accomplishments in person among proud coaches and family.”

JSerra Catholic High School saw 19 senior athletes sign to continue playing at the collegiate level. The Lions’ baseball program led the way with nine players making college commitments. Colin Blanchard will play for University of Washington. Wilson Cunningham is headed to University of Chicago. Gabe D’Arcy signed with University of Arkansas. Tommy Golbranson committed to University of St. Thomas. Max Imhoff will play for Yale University, and Luke Jewett, Gage Jump, Cody Schrier and Eric Silva are all headed to UCLA.

From the school’s softball diamond, Priscilla Gillies will play for Long Island University, and Paris Schwalbe signed with University of Nevada, Reno.

Two lacrosse players made commitments. Kennedy Mason will play for University of California, Berkeley, and Paris Melberg signed with University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Soccer player Natalie Abel will continue her playing career at Texas A&M University. Claire Duree will play soccer for Florida Southern College, and Abby Lynch signed with Loyola Marymount University’s women’s soccer program.

To round out JSerra’s signees, Taylor Barnes will play tennis at California State University, Los Angeles. Megan Workman signed to compete in gymnastics at Southern Connecticut State University, and Charli Bouquet is headed to Weber State University to play volleyball.

“Overall, I think it was a great day,” says JSerra Athletic Director, Chris Ledyard, “not only for our school, but our athletic department to honor the student athletes in an environment that helps promote the accomplishments of these young men and women.” 

JSERRA HOSTS VIRTUAL COLLEGE FAIR

‘Tis the season for college applications, personal essays and financial aid forms as the Class of 2021 looks ahead to life after high school graduation. To support this process, JSerra Catholic High School hosted its 10th annual College Fair, a time for students to connect with university representatives and explore their future paths.

As with most large-scale events during Covid-19, JSerra moved this year’s college fair to a virtual format in an effort to not only support families in the midst of the college admissions process, but to provide a bit of normalcy during a very uncertain time.

“Even when we knew we were going to be online for part of the school year…we never considered not doing the college fair,” says JSerra principal, Eric Stroupe. “That’s an integral part of helping our students prepare for college.”

Open to the public, the virtual event was held on Oct. 15, and saw approximately 800 students and their families from JSerra and across the Orange County community connect with more than 250 national and international colleges and universities.

Many of the schools represented were well-known institutions, such as Johns Hopkins University, UCLA and Vanderbilt University. But the event also provided the opportunity to connect with other lesser-known colleges that may not have been on students’ radar.

“We’re trying to drive students and parents to schools they might not have heard of through a presentation that they are interested in so they can really have an open mind about different colleges,” says JSerra Director of College Counseling Olivia Huie. “There could be some hidden gems that they would not otherwise visit.”

Additionally, the fair offered access to a number of college informational workshops on topics developed by JSerra seniors, including financial aid, how to build a college list and opportunities for B students, just to name a few. Registrants were sent links to all the college representatives, as well as the workshops, and could select the sessions and schools that interested them the most.

JSerra senior Reagan Wagner has been attending the JSerra College Fair since she was a freshman and chose to participate this year as a way to meet with admissions counselors and learn more about the schools on her college list.

“It was extremely helpful,” says Wagner. “I think it was a great opportunity because anybody, at all the different levels, could get as little or as much information as they wanted. It was a little different obviously than the in-person (event), but it was actually extremely helpful to be able to still see the representatives faces and have them see your face.”

Oskar Muniz, also a senior at JSerra and a member of the school’s Law Magnet program, connected with eight colleges during the fair and received more details on each school’s application process, pre-law program and student life.

“It did bring a lot more clarity because they also gave us reminders about deadlines,” says Muniz. “It’s always good to have a reminder of when to turn in those applications.”

Both Wagner and Muniz commented on the ease of connection during event and were grateful for the opportunity. Despite the current pandemic, and with most college campuses closed for traditional tours, JSerra is doing all they can support the senior class during a year that is likely nothing like they envisioned.

“This is another way in which we can provide something that is ‘normal,’” says Stroupe. “Any opportunity to provide something normal that we can do for all of our students, but particularly our seniors, is something we’re going to do.” 

FLYING HIGH

Anthony Grover arrived at the pinnacle of high school cross-country and came up with a 21.

Grover, a senior at JSerra, finished 21st at the prestigious Nike Cross Nationals on Dec. 7 in Portland. The invitational features the best high school runners in the nation.

Grover went out hard with the lead pack, covering the first mile in a blistering 4 minutes 42 seconds before completing the 5-kilometer course at the Glendoveer Golf Course in 15:32.88, the fourth-fastest runner from California in the field of 203.

Grover had hit the jackpot the week before as well, winning his third consecutive CIF-State Division IV championship at Woodward Park in Fresno. His winning time of 15:03.2 on the 5K layout was fast enough to earn a spot at the Nike Cross Nationals for the first time in his high school career.

“I did what I wanted to do, which was go under 15:05 and get the win,” Grover told DyeStat.com.

His win in Fresno also put him in the record books as the first runner, boy or girl, to win three straight Division IV state titles, and the fourth [Text Wrapping Break]male to win three straight championships in any division.

Grover’s path to the creme de la creme of high school cross-country came with its share of peaks and valleys.

He burst onto the scene as a freshman three years ago, winning the Division 3 freshman race in the season-opening Laguna Hills Invitational.

By the time he was a sophomore, Grover emerged as the best runner in Orange County, winning the Orange County Championships over defending champion Jack Landgraf of Dana Hills.

He won his first CIF-SS title as a 10th grader, then went on to capture the first of his three state titles.

He made his first appearance at the Foot Locker West Regionals that season, where he missed qualifying for the Foot Locker Nationals by one spot.

It was during his junior year that Grover faced his biggest obstacles.

During his attempt to defend his section title, Grover became exhausted toward the end of the race after leading most of the way and nearly collapsed as he crossed the finish line fourth overall.

That was good enough to qualify for state, however, and Grover delivered another solid effort on the Woodward Park course to defend his title.

He returned to the Foot Locker West Regionals and ran another solid race, finishing fourth to qualify for the Foot Locker Nationals, but then he was slammed with another tidal wave of fatigue. 

Overcome by exhaustion, Grover had to briefly sit down during the race before gathering himself enough to finish 40th overall.

“I was just at my redline and wasn’t able to get past it,” Grover told MileSplitCA.

He underwent blood tests and it was discovered he had a virus that caused chronic fatigue.

“He’d been running with that throughout the whole season,” JSerra coach Marty Dugard told MileSpliteCA. “We were very hand’s off the first two, three months of track season. He rebounded nicely.”

Grover finished fourth in state in the 1,600 meters at the state track and field finals last June and carried that momentum into his senior cross-country season.

It’s been all aces ever since.

“I’m his coach, so I’m completely biased, but I see him every day in practice. …. He’s as mentally tough as anybody I’ve ever coached,” Dugard told DyeStat. “When he races to win, he’s fearless.”

COMEBACK KIDS

One of the latest beneficiaries of the new playoff model is the JSerra boys’ water polo team.

Based on a formula that accounts for a team’s past playoff performances, its number of wins, margin of victories, and strength of schedule, the Lions were classified as CIF-SS Division 4 team before the season.

They took advantage of the more even playing field and won the program’s first section championship in school history on Nov. 16.

A year ago, Servite did the same in Division 3, going all the way for the program’s first section title since 2005.

What both teams also had in common is they each finished fourth in the Trinity League before making their lower-division championship runs.

Under the previous playoff format, JSerra and Servite likely wouldn’t have qualified for the postseason.

That’s because if teams didn’t finish in the top three and automatically qualify for the playoffs, they could only hope for wild-card berth. Even then, they would compete in Division I or 2 with the automatic qualifiers, and then be matched against one of the best teams in those divisions in the first round.

That proved extremely difficult for teams that weren’t at the same level as others in their league. 

The Mater Dei, Santa Margarita and Orange Lutheran boys’ water polo teams, for example, combined to win five section titles in Divisions 1 and 2 between 2015-17, while JSerra, Servite and St. John Bosco felt lucky just to experience a playoff game.

The new playoff model not only gives teams a chance to chase a section title, but against teams deemed closer to their competitive level.

After the Lions were tagged as a Division 4 team back in the spring, JSerra entered the season ranked sixth in the division before moving to No. 1 in late September.

The Lions continued to hold the top spot, earning the top-seed for the Division 4 playoffs.

JSerra went on the road in the first round and beat Beaumont, 12-3, then won back-to-back home games against Yucaipa (10-3) and El Segundo (14-19). The Lions headed back on the road for the semifinals and beat Pacifica 13-8.

Up against San Juan Hills in the championship game, JSerra allowed the first four goals.

“We were kind of flustered,” JSerra junior Lachlan Treister told reporters afterward. “I didn’t know how it was going to turn out.”

The Lions pulled within a goal at the half, and then surged ahead with a strong third period before holding on for a 13-10 victory.

Treister said the recipe for success was simple.

“Just commitment, training,” he said. “If you believe in it, you’ll do it. And we all believed in it.”

The Lions had no seniors on this season’s team, leaving them in great shape for another long playoff run next season.

JSerra’s success this season could lift them into a higher division next season, but Treister already has a goal in mind.

“Another championship, hopefully,” he said.

Mater Dei, Santa Margarita and Orange Lutheran might be feeling envious of the Lions. All three lost in the first round of the playoffs each of the past two seasons. 

FAR AFIELD

Filling up the nonleague portion of the football schedule has forced Trinity League coaches to expand their horizons in recent years.

Mater Dei, for instance, travelled to Peoria, Arizona on Sept. 6 to take on a local powerhouse. The head coach of that team was surprised to see the Monarchs out so early for pre-game warmups, mainly because it was 107 degrees outside.

He was even more impressed by Mater Dei quarterback Bryce Young, who threw for a school-record 528 yards and tossed seven touchdowns in the 72-21 victory.

Five years ago, Mater Dei coach Bruce Rollinson wouldn’t have searched for a game in one of the hottest regions in North America during the first weekend of September, but Trinity League coaches have become increasingly desperate to find five opponents to fill their nonleague games.

“By 2015 and ’16, it was virtually impossible to get games,” Rollinson told the Arizona Republic.

Just three years ago, Mater Dei, JSerra, Servite and Santa Margarita didn’t travel outside of Southern California to play their nonleague games.

Mater Dei played road games in 2016 at Bishop Amat in La Puente and against Edison at Orange Coast College, and hosted Mayfair, La Mirada and Upland at Santa Ana Stadium.

This season, the Monarchs opened with home games against Corona Centennial and Villa Park at Santa Ana Stadium, and then headed to Arizona.

The Monarchs also played St. Frances Academy from Baltimore, Md. at St. John Bosco, and then flew cross-country to play St. John’s in Washington, DC on Sept. 27.

Mater Dei opened league play the following week against Orange Lutheran.

Rollinson provided one theory as to why it’s become harder to schedule local teams for nonleague games. 

“Probably because I’ve been in (coaching) for so long, some of my buddies are not in it anymore, guys who trusted me and knew it would be a good game,” Rollinson said. “We travel well. If we come to their stadium, you know they’ll get a great gate. Nobody is interested in that anymore.”

Mater Dei was one of three Trinity League teams that played outside of California on Sept. 6.

Santa Margarita travelled to Colorado to play an out-of-state opponent for the first time since the 2014 season.

The Eagles headed to the Denver suburbs to face Cherry Creek, and the Bruins turned the tables on Santa Margarita, taking a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and cruising to a 35-10 win. The Eagles scored their lone touchdown in the final minute of the game.

Santa Margarita was familiar with Cherry Creek after hosting the Bruins at Trabuco Hills last season and losing 21-14.

Servite played in Las Vegas on Sept 6. The Friars took on Bishop Gorman, which has regularly scheduled Trinity League teams the last several years.

Servite was no match for Bishop Gorman, losing 42-21.

JSerra opened its season by travelling to Utah to face a team from Salt Lake City. The Lions won 24-14. 

They then played St. Joseph Regional from Montvale, N.J. at Cathedral Catholic High in San Diego, losing that game 24-13.

“We played hard and were out-executed by a very good team that is well coached,” JSerra coach Pat Harlow said. “We are young and we will get better. We will stick to our plan and get better.”

HOLDING THE LINE

One of the best offensive lines in college football happens to be anchored by two former Trinity League players who start side-by-side.

Nick Harris and Luke Wattenberg graduated from JSerra in 2016 and together headed to the University of Washington on athletic scholarships.

Harris wasn’t nearly as heavily recruited as Wattenberg in high school, but he ended up starting four games at center his first season before emerging as a full-time starter his sophomore year.

Wattenberg redshirted his first fall with the Huskies, moved into a part-time starting role at left guard the following season and then became a full-time starter at left guard last season, playing right alongside Harris.

Three other starters also return on the offensive line for the Huskies.

“We have so much experience,” Harris told the Tacoma News-Tribune. “We have a lot guys who have that passion to play O-Line. They aren’t just doing it because they’re big. Those guys want to be the best O-linemen on the field.”

Heading into his senior season, Harris has been singled out as a player to watch. He was an all-Pac 12 first-team preseason selection and a second-team All-American.

Wattenberg remembers when Harris first transferred to JSerra as a sophomore. 

“I didn’t know what to think of him,” Wattenberg said. “At that time, a lot of transfers were coming in and out, so I thought he was just another one.”

Harris didn’t start right away at JSerra and his listed size of 6-foot-2, 260 pounds as a junior wasn’t particularly eye-catching either.

When the Washington coaches came to visit Wattenberg, then-JSerra head coach Jim Hartigan suggested they also take a look at Harris.

“Washington listened to us,” Hartigan told the News-Tribune. 

He paid a visit to Washington and quickly accepted the offer.

Harris continued to impress the offensive line coaches at Washington with his quick feet and good use of his frame. Harris quickly moved up to second string during his first training camp, much to the surprise of head coach Chris Petersen, who wasn’t expecting to see a true freshman so far up the depth chart before his first season.

  “And then I watched ten plays, and I went, ‘Oh, I get why he’s with the twos,’” Petersen said. “So much for all the recruiting experts.”

Fast forward three years and Harris has emerged as not only a dependable starter, but someone who’s looked up to as a leader.

“It’s pretty crazy when you put it in perspective, just how fast the time has gone by,” Harris said. “But it’s a role I’ve been ready to embrace.”

A poll of media members over the summer indicated that Washington is expected to battle it out with Oregon for the top spot in the Pac-12 North Division.

 Harris wants to enjoy every minute of his senior season.

“I’ve been playing this game since I was six, and the love I have for it just grows every day,” Harris said. “The fact that I have the opportunity to be out there is why I’m focused. I’m not taking it for granted. I love every second I’m out there, being with my brothers. This is my last season, so I’m definitely trying to make the best of it every day.” 

TRINITY LEAGUE ATHLETE PROFILE: KEVIN WOODSUM

With some influence from watching his older sister swim, along with a bit of a nudge from his parents, Kevin Woodsum got his chance in the pool and found a sport that is a perfect match.

“I took swimming lessons when I was six or seven, and then I finally joined a team,” says Woodsum. “I was competitive on it, and I really enjoyed the experience. It’s continued with me until this day, and I still really enjoy the sport.”

A senior at JSerra Catholic High School, Woodsum considers himself a versatile swimmer who can compete wherever the team and coaching staff need his contributions. He favors the butterfly stroke and has the heart of a competitor.

“I love the sport in general, especially the competition,” says the 17-year-old. “But I also like the experiences with my teammates. It’s a good place to spend your energy, and I really like it.”

The three-year varsity swimmer has earned three straight team MVP honors, qualified for CIF in all three seasons, scored in two events in 2019 and currently holds four school records. Woodsum is also getting it done in the classroom, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, as well as in the community as frequent volunteer in local service projects.

“Since joining the team his freshman year, Kenneth has proven to be an extraordinary leader both in and out of the pool,” says JSerra aquatics director, Kevin Clements. “He is always involved in our community service projects and team building activities, despite having a very demanding club schedule. He serves his team, school and community with a great deal of pride and respect. Kenneth is a true Lion.”

Woodsum cites time management and prioritization as the biggest challenges that come with being a competitive swimmer, but coming together as a team with faith as a foundation make the sacrifices worth it.

“One of the things that [swimming] has taught me is dedication,” says Woodsum. “Another is teamwork…and it’s the combination of faith in it, too. It’s a nice experience to have that element there. [Faith] really sets the tone and atmosphere and makes you want to work harder.”

On campus, Woodsum is involved in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club as well as National Honor Society (NHS). The Mission Viejo resident also enjoys hiking, kayaking and spending time outdoors. His future plans including swimming collegiately and pursing a business degree, and he is inspired to do so by his father’s strong will, courage and fortitude, as well as motivation from swim camp coach Nick Baker.

“One thing that [Baker has] taught me is that confidence is the key to everything,” says Woodsum. “You’ve got to be confident when you go into situations. He also taught me to value the little things, the good parts of your day. The things he’s taught me have stuck with me to this day.”

GRAND SLAM

All the afternoons sticking around the baseball fields, taking swing after swing, fielding ground ball after ground ball, finally paid off in one dramatic minute in the life of Chase Strumpf.

The former JSerra High School star was at the plate for UCLA on June 3 in a winner-take-all regional championship game against visiting Loyola Marymount when, unbeknown to Strumpf, he was selected in the second round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Chicago Cubs.

Seconds later, Strumpf blasted a towering three-run homer over the left-field fence to give UCLA a 6-2 lead, and the Bruins held on for a 6-3 victory to advance to the Super Regionals against the University of Michigan. 

“The fact that they happened probably 30 seconds apart from each other is a memory of a lifetime,” UCLA coach John Savage told the Southern California News Group afterward. 

Strumpf was a senior on the 2016 JSerra team that advanced to the CIF-SS Division I semifinals.

That group was stacked with talent, and many of the players have taken their game to another level, evident by the last few major-league drafts.

Royce Lewis was just a junior on the 2016 team before emerging as the No. 1 overall draft pick the following year by the Minnesota Twins.

Davis Wendzel did not attract as much publicity at JSerra as Lewis and Strumpf, but he’s joined them as big-time major-league prospects.

Wendzel earned Big 12 Conference co-player of the year at Baylor last season. His team was eliminated by UCLA at the regionals, but his spirits were lifted when he was drafted late in the first round by the Texas Rangers, No. 41 overall.

Wendzel, who batted .367 with nine home runs last season at Baylor, exuded confidence when he spoke with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram shortly after getting drafted.

“I have a very mature approach at the plate,” Wendzel said. “I pick up pitches really well, and when I pick pitches I don’t miss them. I can hit any pitch in any count. I’ve been hitting against the best of the best in college and I’m ready to do it at the next level.”

Strumpf and Wendzel weren’t the only players from JSerra’s Class of 2016 to get drafted earlier this month.

Lyle Lin played catcher for the Lions and was drafted in the 16th round out of high school by the Seattle Mariners. 

He chose to attend Arizona State, which made him ineligible to be drafted the next two years. He was selected in the 29th round last year, decided to come back to Arizona State for his junior year and was taken in the 14th round this year by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Micah Pries headed to Point Loma Nazarene after graduating with Strumpf, Wendzel and Lin. He blasted 18 homers and drove in 50 runs as an outfielder last season, attracting the attention of the Cleveland Indians, who selected him in the 13th round.

Another player who was set to be on the 2016 team was left-handed pitcher Jack Owen, but he didn’t play that season because he reportedly needed to get a job.

He went on to pitch two years at Auburn, emerging as the staff ace last season, and was drafted in the 21st round by the St. Louis Cardinals.

PODCASTS