Opportunity At Purdue Blows Walendzak Away

PERRYSBURG - There were visits to a number of state schools in Ohio, but when Purdue came into the picture there was something that hit Connor Walendzak.

“Purdue just blew me away,” related the Perrysburg sophomore. “I was looking for the best fit for me where I could thrive academically and athletically. Once Purdue presented itself with an opportunity, I had to jump at it.”

Interest came during summer play as a member of Bo Jackson Elite.

“I started talking to Purdue a couple of weeks into the summer,” Walendzak reflected. “Coach (Jimmy) Onate got in contact with them when we were in Georgia. Coach (Cooper) Fouts was easy to talk to. He said they liked what they were seeing.”

An impressive performance at the Future Games helped the cause for the eighth-ranked 2023 in Ohio.

“They were watching PBR live streaming,” Walendzak noted. “Coach Onate sent them a lot of videos of my at-bats in the summer and then seeing me at the Future Games is how they stayed updated on me.”

The 5-11 195-pounder recorded a time of 6.69 in the 60, hit 100 on the exit velo and 85 on outfield velocity while at the premier event of the year.

“They like my bat and my speed and athleticism in the outfield,” pointed out Walendzak, who turned 16 in mid-August just after the PBR experience in Pennsylvania.

Tentative plans are for Walendzak to be an outfielder and utility player at Purdue.

“I developed really well this summer,” explained the second-rated 2023 outfielder in the state. “The coaches at Bo Jackson, my teammates and my hit coach all really helped me out. Coach Onate also helped me out big time with the mental aspect.”

But the need to continue making strides remains.

“I have to improve every aspect of my game,” Walendzak said. “The transition to outfield this year went quick. One of the things I’m looking to do in high school and summer is improve my outfield play .. the jumps and everything I need to improve to make an impact there.”

Miami, Bowling Green, Wright State, Cincinnati and Ohio State all had major interest but Purdue proved to be what Walendzak was looking for at the next level.

“I didn’t know much about Purdue but this summer I took the opportunity to learn about it,” Walendzak noted. “On my first call coach Fouts took me on a tour of the facilities.”

There was also an in-person trip to the West Lafayette university in Indiana as well.

“I loved the campus,” Walendzak said. “They had super nice facilities.”

A commitment caps off a recruiting process in which the Perrysburg product made a name for himself.

“He has an advanced hit tool for his class,” PBR Ohio Director of Scouting Jordan Chiero said about Walendzak after his performance at the Northern Ohio Top Prospect Games in late July. “The combination of feel/burst makes his BP one you sit back and watch.”

Walendzak is happy that his recruitment has come to an end.

“I’ve dreamed about playing college baseball since I picked up a bat,” pointed out Walendzak. “I was surprised when I started talking to all the coaches this summer, I never saw that before. Coach Onate and Bo Jackson guided me through it. But there is still a lot of work to be done.”

His parents, high school coach Dave Hall and hitting coach Tom Rummells have been vital in the baseball journey for Walendzak, a standout on the gridiron as well - something that has proven beneficial.

“It takes a lot of toughness, mental toughness and grit to play,” noted Walendzak, a running back on his high school team at Perrysburg. “There’s a lot of different interaction with teammates in football.”

Walendzak looks forward to making a difference in a Purdue baseball program that has made two trips to the NCAA Tournament in the past decade, 2012 and 2018.

“I think I can bring a hard work ethic … a grind mentality,” Walendzak said. “I’ll bring my athleticism and a great teammate to the program.”

Academics are also important for Walendzak, who carries a 4.3 GPA.

“I want to do medical school, so whatever sets me up with an opportunity for that,” Walendzak said in deciding between biology and science as a college major.

No matter that decision, Walendzak is pleased to know where his future lies.

“It’s super exciting, it was exhilarating when it all happened,” Walendzak said of making the commitment. “Now I’ve got to go out and just keep getting better.”