Over the last two years, there have been few two-sport athletes as successful as Rogerville’s Joe Young.  At 6-foot-4, 210-pounds, Young -- the No. 23 ranked player in the Class of 2012 -- has put together an impressive prep career as both a baseball and basketball player.

In 2011, the outfielder batted. 415 with seven doubles, two triples, and nine home runs, which garnered Prep Baseball Report Missouri Third Team All-State honors.  Young was also named the Co-Central Ozark Conference Small Division Player of the Year and earned a spot on the Missouri Sportswriters’ All-State team for the second consecutive season.

As a basketball player, the athletic and versatile Young was recently named the Central Ozark Conference Player of the Year – an honor that was bestowed upon him last year as well.  This season Young is averaging nearly a double-double per game, as the senior has averaged 18 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.   

Prep Baseball Report Missouri recently caught up with Young, who weighed in on his multi-sport successes, recruitment situation, and goals for the upcoming baseball season.

PBR: Your 2011 season garnered a host of awards: Co-Central Ozark Conference Small Division Player of the Year, Prep Baseball Report Missouri Third Team All-State, and Missouri Sportswriters All-State. What was it like to be recognized on such a grand scale within Missouri?

These past two years I was lucky enough to be on two really good teams which made these awards possible. It really felt great at the end of the year to be recognized for the hard work my teammates and I had put in all year. 

PBR: You also had a standout 2010-2011 basketball season as a junior that garnered All-State honors and are in the middle of an impressive senior season.  Do you prefer one sport to the other?

Ever since I was younger I have always been asked this question and I think the only fair response is that when it is warm outside I want to be playing baseball and when it is cold I want to be playing basketball. I love both sports so it is hard to choose either.

PBR: Considering your successes in both sports, what kind of interest have you drawn from colleges thus far? Are there any schools that have expressed specific interest in you as a potential two-sport athlete? 

For baseball I have been getting Division 1 and Juco looks. In basketball it has been predominately Division 2 schools expressing interest. There have been a few schools that have talked about me playing both, but I think with the difficulties of college athletics I can only see myself playing one sport.

PBR:  You had an impressive offensive season in 2011 by batting .415 with seven doubles, two triples, and nine home runs.  To what do you attribute your increase at power at the plate?

My power increase is a reflection of the work I put into the weight room. I try to work out at least six times a week, and will need it this year with the BBCOR bats.

PBR:  In the last two seasons, you’ve spent a considerable amount of time as both an infielder and outfielder.  Have you been recruited more for one position?

I have mostly been recruited for outfield because that is the position I am more comfortable with and prefer. I also project better there and should be in Centerfield this year.

PBR: Do you feel that playing in the Ozarks and facing the competition you have has prepared you for the various recruiting trips and showcases that you’ve attended?

I feel like playing against the type of competition here has really helped me now and for the future. We have great hitting and pitch all around down here, and it contributes to some really fun games.

PBR: What type of program would you like to play at? What is most important to you: Caliber of program, coaching staff, academics, etc…?

I feel like all of these are really important, but I would say the most important thing is a great coaching staff. I want to be able to go to a school and have them help me get the most out of my ability.

PBR: What do you hope to accomplish this season on an individual level?

On an individual scale I hope to build upon the previous two seasons successes, and help my team win in any way I can.

PBR: And as a program, what is Rogersville’s goal headed into the 2012 season?

Our goal is what I believe any teams should be, and that is to win a state championship. I think that if we stay focused the whole year and are playing our best baseball in May there is no reason we shouldn’t be in the hunt in June.