Q&A with Jacksonville commit Logan Wonn
September 12, 2014
By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Wisconsin/Illinois
Jacksonville University has always made a splash recruiting in Wisconsin. Most recently, in the 2013 class, Jacksonville committed both Nathan Disch and Dan Jansen. Jansen was then drafted in the 13th round out of Appleton West and chose to sign with the Blue Jays. RHP Alex McRae, a 2011 graduate out of New Berlin Eisenhower, was drafted in the 10th round by the Pirates after a decorated three year career at Jacksonville.
RHP Logan Wonn (Oconomowoc, 2015) will be the next Wisconsin prospect looking to make a splash with the Dolphins. Wonn recently made his verbal commitment to Jacksonville and here’s a look at what he had to say about his recruiting process.
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?
Wonn: I really didn't know what to expect when it came to the recruiting process. I figured it would not be easy, but as I got farther and farther into it, it became apparent on how much work goes into the process. It is by no means easy, and it requires you really putting in the time and communicating with coaches.
PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
Wonn: Initially I looked at schools that were close, probably within five or so hours. That way it wasn't too far from home and was easier for family to watch games. What I figured out though was regardless of where you go, the amount of time you have to go home is minimal because of how busy you will be. Once my parents and I figured that then I expanded my search and distance did not really influence my decision.
PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?
Wonn: There was a showcase camp that I did in Oregon, Wisconsin over Christmas break last year where I did really well. Starting that January then the process really started to get going.
PBR: Where did Jacksonville first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
Wonn: Jacksonville University first saw me at the Showtime Sports Camps’ Wisconsin High School Showcase at The Rock in Franklin, Wisconsin. After that Coach Montez called me on July 1st, and from there we just kept talking and communicating until a visit was scheduled.
PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
Wonn: First off I was looking for a school that had good academics. That was one of the most important things. Beyond that, I was looking for a highly competitive baseball program that really strived for winning championships. Also, being at a school with great coaches, especially for pitching, was key and I found all of that at Jacksonville.
PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?
Wonn: Besides the academics, the biggest thing is how they run the program. Everything is very professional and extremely well run. The experience and knowledge of the coaching staff is unbelievable. They have high team goals such as winning conference championships and getting into and advancing in regionals. Along with that they set the bar high for individual goals which include their players getting drafted after their junior year, which is a testament to their player development. Overall it's an outstanding program and opportunity that I can't wait to get into.
PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
Wonn: The other schools on my short list were Holy Cross, Brown, Ohio, South Dakota State, Minnesota State Mankato and Augustana (Sioux Falls).
PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?
Wonn: I am really looking forward to our season. We lost some key players, but just like the last two years, there are guys ready to step in and help the team. We should be poised to defend and go after our third straight conference title. My ultimate goal is to make it to state, after experiencing that my freshman year. I can't wait to get after it just like we have the past couple of spring seasons.
PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?
Wonn: In the summer I play for STiKS Elite which is based out of STiKS Academy in Oconomowoc. My best experience with them was making the championship bracket at the 18U National Championships at Grand Park in Indianapolis this past summer. It was a tournament with over 100 teams and was extremely competitive and a blast to play in.
PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
Wonn: Although there have been many in season moments, the best of my career is committing to Jacksonville. It was the culmination of a lot of hard work and help from family, coaches and friends.
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