Bishop Eustace’s Kirchner not relaxing after making early commitment to Rutgers
Jack Kirchner has known his future for quite some time. A 6-foot-3 senior righthander for Bishop Eustace, Kirschner made a commitment to Rutgers in September of his sophomore year.
“The recruiting process might have been stressful and happened earlier for me than other people, but I think it was very beneficial and I am very happy,” Kirchner said.
Some people are able to loosen up, having their college decision made, but not Kirchner. He has begun his senior season as if he is pitching for a scholarship.
In his first game, he struck out 11 in 4 2/3 innings of a 13-3 win over Camden Catholic.
Then during his second outing, he allowed four hits in six innings and struck out 12 in a 4-0 victory over Clearview.
“I have always been a power pitcher,” he said.
It sure shows, but there is more to just having a good fastball. Against Clearview, Kirchner was able to change speeds and locate all his pitches, walking just one batter.
What Bishop Eustace coach Sam Tropiano likes most about Kirchner is his bulldog mentality.
“He’s got a mindset that when you give him the ball, he doesn’t want to give it up,” Tropiano said. “Even against Clearview, he wanted to go all 110.”
NJSIAA rules state that a pitcher can throw as many as 110 pitches in a game. Against Clearview, Kirchner threw 99 and gave way to freshman Max Sullivan, who pitched a scoreless seventh inning.
“He’s the guy. He is a great leader,” Tropiano said about Kirchner.
As for his future destination, Rutgers had everything that Kirchner was looking for.
“The coaching staff they brought in is just great,” he said about head coach Steve Owens and his staff. “And I think they are really committed to try and build up the program and try to win baseball games here in New Jersey and keep this talent in New Jersey.”
Rutgers always relies heavily on New Jersey talent and this year’s roster includes nine players from the seven-county South Jersey area. Freshman outfielder Trevor Cohen, a Holy Spirit graduate, has been one of the South Jersey standouts for Rutgers. Cohen began the week having started all 31 games and was hitting .346.
“Just the proximity of being close to home was also important to me,” Kirchner said.
There is also the benefit of playing in the Big 10.
“It’s a great baseball conference, with a lot of good teams and there are a lot of good things about attending Rutgers,” Kirchner said.
He also enjoys competing for a Bishop Eustace program that is annually among the area’s best. Last year the Crusaders went 20-8, won the Olympic Conference National Division and advanced to the South Jersey Non-Public B semifinals before losing to Gloucester Catholic, 6-1.
This year’s team is considered a contender for several different titles.
“I really think we can do something special here,” he said.
And for that to happen, Kirchner will be among the big leaders, pitching like he’s trying to earn a scholarship, even though that deal has been sewed up for quite some time.
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Author: Marc Narducci
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