Coach Jon Shockley's "Shout Out"

The inside scoop on SAGU Baseball 

Ten Answers to Ten Questions

WAXAHACHIE, Texas -- The Southwestern Assemblies of God University baseball team, who got off to a great start, are finishing the season with plenty of energy!

Perhaps the impetus will lead to post-season play in May, or the momentum will surely be a driving force into next year.

SAGU has three remaining games at Texas College that heavy rains have temporarily postponed. Slated for Friday and Saturday, they appear destined for Monday as a tripleheader in Tyler.

An official announcement has yet to be made (as of noon, April 21).

First year Head Coach Jonathan Shockley (pictured on the left during a recent practice) has led a team that continues to make solid strides. Currently, they have won four of their last six games.

Throughout the season Coach Shockley has engaged in a question-and-answer media session. Here is another installment of “Shockley’s Shout Out.”

Q1)  The team heads to Tyler for a weekend series with a berth in the NCCAA Regional on the line. What do you want to happen in the 3-game series with TC?
Jon Shockley:  Naturally, I would love a sweep!

Q2)  You've been able to develop a deeper pitching staff than the team has had in years. The loss of Brett Frost and the injury to Mario Mendoza notwithstanding, there are now nine pitchers with one or more wins. How do you feel about the available options for starters and relievers?
JS:  It’s a good problem when you struggle with who to start because that means there are numerous arms that can throw.

Q3)  Has a rotation for the TC series been announced?
JS:  If the rain moves the three games to Monday, I'll go (LHP Nic) Morgan, (LHP Zach) Worrell and (RHP) Rockie (Davis).

Q4)  Dustin Jett is nearing the team's career hit record. What does he means to the team?
JS:  Dustin is an irreplaceable individual. On and off the field. His defense in centerfield is second to none and he gives all he has all the time! He shows so much character and integrity in all he does. He's a great young man.

Q5)  Two other captains will wrap-up their careers, along with Jett; Ben Chavez and Tim Kolczak. What elements do they bring to this team? Or, as a coach, what do appreciate about each one?

JS:  Chavo brings a lot of leadership tools to the table. I can ask him to get something done and trust that it will get done. He gives 100% at all times and never complains.

Kolczak has good leadership skills as well. When asked to go into situations, he does so with confidence and swag. I know he will give it his all. I hope he can break the save record before leaving.

Q6)  Which players have been the most pleasant surprise to you this season?
JS:  There are numerous players I could say I've been pleasantly surprised with. Can I pick 10? Three!? Well, Donovan Vess, Rockie Davis and Mario Mendoza are the ones that come to mind the quickest.

Q7)  There is a solid nucleus of young players set to return. Combined with recruits, if you had to summarize in one word your early read into next year's Lions, what would it be?
JS:  All I can say about next year is 'arms.' Veterans and newcomers. I've been going after (recruiting) a lot of arms for next season.

Q8)  When do you hope to announce this year's recruiting class?
JS:  Early May. We’ll shoot to go on record by then about those who have committed.

Q9)  What are the benefits of playing home games on campus, starting next season?
JS:  The biggest benefit to playing on campus will be having more fans being able to watch. We have had good crowds this season (at the Waxahachie Sports Complex), but coming home will help us connect with our students and staff even more. Fans won’t have to travel across town to see us play.

Q10)  Who do you like in the World Series?
JS:  That's really tough to say. I’ll give you my favorite teams; the Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers and my Kansas City Royals.

Contact: Mark “Link” Warde, SAGU Sports Information Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 469-658-2847.