Zack Jansen, RHP/3B, Maderia HS, Class of 2013

PBR: Why did you choose Rend Lake? 

Jansen: Coach Etnier was a two way player in college (3rd baseman/ Pitcher).  This is exactly what I see myself doing at Rend Lake.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Jansen: I had several other Junior College opportunities, and I also took a visit to Alderson Broadus, which I really liked.  Rend Lake has a good track record of having their players advance to the DI level and / or professionally.  I feel like Coach Etnier will get me where I ultimately want to be. 

PBR: Where did the coaches first see you? How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff?

Jansen: Coach Peters of Rend Lake contacted me after a PBR Showcase in Dayton.  Having missed my entire junior summer, PBR really saved me as far as playing baseball in college.

PBR:  Rend Lake is in Illinois, how much of a factor did distance play in your final decision?

Jansen: It is a little over four hours from home for me. Distance was not really a factor in my decision but my parents are happy it is somewhat close.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus? 

Jansen: Coach Etnier indicated I would have a chance to play right away in the field and I think I will be used in relief on the mound.  I have spoken to a few players from Rend's conference and I know I'll really have to work hard to earn time there.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help their baseball program? 

Jansen: I have a chance to break Ohio's all time record for RBI's this spring at Madeira.  I need 62 to break the record.  I had 56 last year.  We need to get back to Columbus for me to have a realistic chance.  Of the 128 RBI's I have had so far, a lot of them have come with two strikes and two outs.  My swing allows me to drive the ball the other way and I don't strike out very often.   I would say my biggest strength is driving in runs in clutch situations. 

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was the most memorable experience from this summer? 

Jansen: Last year I was going to play for Coack K and the Midland Braves.  I hurt my back and ended up missing the entire summer. 

PBR: What were your stats for last spring season at Maderia? 

Jansen: .477 ave, 56 RBI (school record), 4 homeruns, 9 triples (school record), 15 doubles and 51 hits overall.  On the mound I only threw 14 innings but I did have 20 strikeouts in the 14 innings of work.  My highlight on the mound was in the district finals where I came in relief in the seventh with two on and no outs, and after a bunt to advance the runners; I was able to get two strikeouts to end that threat.  I had a few saves as well last year and also my sophomore summer with the Cincinnati Mavericks.  I really like closing games out as opposed to starting because the shorter outings allow me to play the field the next day.   

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced in Ohio? 

Jansen: Max Kadish from Wyoming High School who is now at Furman.  He's a tough out.