Follow @PBR_Ohio

Avery Janning, RHP, Watterson, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Walsh?

Janning: Walsh is a well-known Catholic school and is a place where I believe I can succeed both academically and athletically. I visited a few times including an overnight and my family and I both feel that Walsh is a great fit for me. The coaches and players are on the right path to success and it is a place that I believe I can help the team win games.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Janning: My top choices were down to Ashland, ODU, and Otterbein.

PBR: Where did the coaches first see you? How did your relationship develop with him?

Janning: Coach Mead actually saw me pitch a complete game at Walsh over the summer in a tournament and I spoke with him and got a tour after the game. He and I have been in good contact since then and he invited me up to campus again this fall. Coach Mead is a great coach and a great guy and my family and I have developed a pretty close relationship with him already.  

PBR: Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team for the rest of your senior season?

Janning: I also play Basketball so I’ve got some high expectations for my team and I this winter, coming back as state runner-ups. As for this spring, I’m very excited to play my senior season at Watterson with some of my best friends. We’ve had a lot of senior commits lately and I’m excited about the help we will be getting from some good underclassmen as well. We’re ready to do whatever it takes to bring a district title and hopefully much more back to Watterson and Coach Manahan this year and I believe we have what it takes to do that.

PBR: What team do you play for in the summer and what is your most memorable experience?

Janning: I played for Ohio Elite 17u for Coach Ron Bookmyer this past summer. I’ve been playing with some of the guys on that team for many years now so I’ve had tons of great memories with them. Hanging out with the guys in hotels every weekend is always a cause for some great times.  

PBR: What were your stats for last spring?

Janning: I played all 4 infield positions while batting around .330 with 26RBI’s.  I pitched in relief mostly and I also had a complete game 5-1victory on the mound over Bloom Carroll.

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

Janning: I faced Braun Miller in a game last spring and he had some nasty stuff. I have also faced my fellow teammate Chris Slavik a couple times in different showcases this past summer and I’ve definitely learned that it’s better to be in the field when he’s pitching rather than in the batter’s box.