Photo: St. Bonaventure Athletics
BY RYAN LOMARDI, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The National Junior College Athletic Association, also known as JUCO, has become more popular amongst students looking to grow and mature in their sports. Juco allows athletes to develop on the field and in the classroom.
St. Bonaventure baseball head coach Jason Rathbun is familiar with JUCO. He spent 18 years coaching at Herkimer,
“I think from when I came into to JUCO until the time I left, I saw the talent level of many JUCO’s increase because players start to understand what JUCO can do for them.,”said Rathbun.
For players who may be overlooked in high school or struggle to get recruited, JUCO offers a place to play and develop. The playing time will only increase players’ chances of being recruited. JUCO recruited lace to play and develop. The playing time will only increase players’ chances of recruiting to a four-year university.
“It gives them college experience and the chance to put up numbers at the college level.” Rathbun continues, “The chance to play right away as a freshman and sophomore can be important for certain players that need it.”
During Rathbun’s time at Herkimer, he saw many players find success at the JUCO level. That success also later translated into their playing careers.
“Over 18 years we had many success stories, “said Rathbun “We had multiple players drafted and many that signed after their 4-year school. Dale Stanavich, Pat Dorrian, Jacob Shortslef, Willie Gabay, Shinnosuke Takaheshi, Greg Farone are some of the bigger names we had.”
Rathbun found success in his second year with the Bonnies. Sitting at 14-21 to start the year, nearly doubling the teams win total from last season. Some major contributors to this team have spent time in JUCO baseball.
Redshirt senior right fielder Adam Rankie spent two seasons at Erie CC before putting on the brown and white. He currently posts a team high .351 average with 54 hits and 31 RBI’s. Rankie also holds a 19-game hitting streak.
Junior first baseman Morgan Little played his first two years at WVU Potomac State before transferring to Bonaventure. He has a .306 average, including four home runs this season.
“They have been able to be everyday starters and have been a huge part of the building process,” said Rathbun on the impact of these guys. “They are a huge part of our team.”
With Bonaventure’s success this season, coach Rathbun plans to continue to bring JUCO guys in. He will also continue to add freshmen and develop this team.
“We have five JUCO players signed for next year and expect to add a few more, ‘said Rathbun. “It will be a part of the process, but we need to recruit high school students as well and develop them.”
lombarrl23@bonaventure.edu
