Jordan Wharton, SS, Copley HS, Class of 2016

PBR: Why did you choose Indiana Wesleyan?

Wharton:  I feel that Indiana Wesleyan was a perfect fit for me to excel academically, athletically, and spiritually. I also have great chemistry with the coaching staff.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Wharton:  Kent State, Miami, Dayton, and Ohio Dominican.

PBR: Where did the IW coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Wharton:  Coach Benjamin first saw me play in the Music City Classic at Vanderbilt while he was coaching at Judson. He then saw video footage of me after he had been hired at IWU. The staff came to a fall ball game and really liked what they saw so they invited me for a visit. As soon as I saw the campus and the people there, I knew it was the perfect fit for me.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

Wharton:  The coaching staff expects me to make an immediate impact in the middle infield and to help lead the team to many championship seasons.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help IW baseball?

Wharton:  My biggest strength as a baseball player is my feel for the game, in addition to my tools. Both the IWU coaching staff and I feel like this will help me in my transition for high school baseball to college baseball.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was the most memorable experience from this summer?

Wharton:  I played for Northern Ohio Baseball Club (formerly known as Midwest Pelicans) and Team Georgia. My most memorable experience was playing with Team Georgia at the Perfect Game WWBA tournament in Atlanta.

PBR: Now that recruiting process is over what are your individual and team goals for this spring?

Wharton: We should have a very strong team at Copley with many returning starters and great leadership in our senior class. We look to win a Suburban League championship and make a run deep into the playoffs. Personally, I am focusing on developing physically and offensively to get ready for college baseball.

PBR: What were your stats for last spring season?

Wharton:  I led the team in hits with 25, fielding % of .970, and 16 RBIs. I was voted our team MVP and won our team Gold Glove award as well as being a Captain as a junior.

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

Wharton:  The toughest pitcher I have faced is Ryan Feltner from Walsh Jesuit.