Mason City Newman Catholic, the #1 seed in this year's 1A state tournament, will be anchored by their starting shortstop Jack Fitzgerald.  This will be the fourth year in a row the Creighton University recruit has been able to play in the state tournament at Principal Park in Des Moines.

JACK FITZERALD, SS, MASON CITY NEWMAN CATHOLIC

PBR: Why did you choose Creighton University?

FITZGERALD:  Great academic school.  I think I fit their mold of player.  I take a lot of pride in my defense.  They are a big D school.  They've led the country in fielding % and I feel like that's one my strengths.  Also the opportunity to play in TD Ameritrade was pretty hard to pass up.

 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

FITZGERALD:  I had a walk-on offer from U. of Kansas, Minnesota State, other D2's.  And also have a strong relationship with Coach Todd Rima at Kirkwood so that was a possibility.

 

PBR:  What were your thoughts on the recruiting process?

FITZGERALD:  I committed in early February.  It was a little nerve wracking.  But I played in good tournaments in the Fall- played against some unbelievable competition- and attended some camps to try and open up some options.  It was a grind but still fun and I'm glad I was able to get it out of the way and be able to relax and enjoy everything else going on.

PBR:  What are your thoughts on making it back to the state tournament?

FITZGERALD:  It's awesome.  Being able to play there now 4 years in a row.  Unbelievable opportunity.  Unfortunately an infielder got hurt my freshman year; I was able to get on the field and do my best and it's carried over experience wise every year.

 

PBR:  What do you feel are your team's keys to success in this tournament?

FITZGERALD:  We have to be able to get the bats going.  Play defense.  Just do the little things and control what we can control.  Pretty much just do the things Coach Adams teaches us everyday.

 

PBR:  What are some things you have done to prepare yourself for this season?

FITZGERALD:  In the fall I would travel seven to eight hours at times after football games to be able to play fall baseball.  Weights, individual work and running.  A lot of players on our team played together in spring league.  And just putting the time in.  The tradition here is huge- you have to want to succeed.  It really isn't an option.  We hold ourselves to a pretty high standard.