March 16, 2026 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Johnson exploring college choices

Caleb Johnson has options.


The St. Joseph-Ogden senior committed to play baseball for William Penn University in January but the senior right-handed pitcher said he is reevaluating his choice.


“I’ve gotten a couple more offers lately,” Johnson said. “I’m looking a little closer into them before I decide.”


Johnson said William Penn’s baseball team, which is 33-10 this season, has a great family atmosphere.


“They made me feel at home,” he said.


The only downside to the school is its location which is five hours away from St. Joseph in Oskaloosa, Iowa.


No matter where he attends in the fall, Johnson plans on majoring in sports management and continuing his baseball career.

Johnson said he is looking forward to college and meeting new people, however, he is looking forward to continuing his athletic career the most.


“I’m most looking forward to continuing to play the game I love, to bring a competitive edge and high energy with me and to get a good education,” Johnson said.


Johnson, who has played baseball since he was three years old, said he has always loved the sport. While he has tried track, football and basketball, the ball diamond is where he has excelled.


“It’s a sport that takes your mind off of everything around you and being around my teammates every day— I love all these things,” he said.


Johnson also loves the pressure that comes with being a pitcher.


“I love being in stressful situations,” he said. “The feeling you get being in that moment—it’s something you can’t describe.”


In addition for playing for the Spartans, Johnson plays for the St. Joseph Bandits travel baseball team. It allows him to hone his skills in the summer, not just the spring, and he feels it played an instrumental role in him being able to continue his athletic career in college.


“It has really helped me get into playing college baseball,” he said.


Johnson will graduate this month and leave SJO behind. However, he said he will take several lessons with him when he leaves including the ability to handle adversity, the ability to focus and the desire to achieve greatness.

“They really push you here to reach your highest potential and want you to be great at everything you do,” he said.

Banner
Related Posts

What could district format look like for SJO football?

July 26, 2019

July 26, 2019

This decade has seen plenty of different conference opponents for St. Joseph-Ogden High School’s football team. Playing in three conferences...

Altenbaumer, Brazelton spark 19-game win streak for SJO baseball

May 12, 2022

May 12, 2022

Successful seasons have become the norm for the St. Joseph-Ogden High School baseball team. This spring is no exception. The...

Burnett, Steinbach key as SJO volleyball wraps up season this week

April 22, 2021

April 22, 2021

Normally, 20 matches in a season means a high school volleyball teamis just rounding into form, ready to make a...

SJO boys’ basketball to host 14-team Christie Clinic Shootout on Saturday

January 6, 2024

January 6, 2024

An annual staple on the high school boys’ basketball calendar is back in St. Joseph again this year.The Christie Clinic...

SJO baseball on roll as Haley collects 300th career win

April 10, 2019

April 10, 2019

Some convincing wins have ensued recently for the St. Joseph-Ogden High School baseball team. And a historic win happened for...

SJO heading to state in boys track and field

June 17, 2021

June 17, 2021

By Jim Cotter After not having any kind of a season in 2020, the St. Joseph-Ogden boys track and field...

Plotner’s positive attitude key to success

April 30, 2019

April 30, 2019

Jillian Plotner is having an amazing track season. The St. Joseph-Ogden junior helped the 3,200 relay team win first place...

Frick, Hug and Martinie excel as SJO girls’ basketball opens new year with win

January 9, 2023

January 9, 2023

The St. Joseph-Ogden High School girls’ basketball team has shown flashes of its potential thisseason. Just not enough on a...

SJO football schedule for 2019 set

July 1, 2019

July 1, 2019

Making the playoffs is always a goal for the St. Joseph-Ogden High School football team. Having qualified in 27 of...

5 question Friday with SJO Tennis Coach Kevin Martlage

October 14, 2022

October 14, 2022

We asked SJO Tennis Coach Kevin Martlage five questions. Here are his answers. What does it mean to you to...

Burnett, Jacobs carry SJO baseball past GCMS

April 24, 2019

April 24, 2019

Road wins aren’t to be taken for granted. Especially dominating road victories like the one the St. Joseph-Ogden High School...

Get to know SJO Volleyball player Emma Ward

October 31, 2022

October 31, 2022

What do you think makes the team so successful? Our ability to work well together What is your favorite thing...

SJO girls’ basketball reaches Sweet 16

February 12, 2019

February 12, 2019

One more win and the St. Joseph-Ogden High School girls’ basketball team can celebrate its first sectional championship in 12...

Behrens, Vallee help Spartans continue strong start

February 11, 2021

February 11, 2021

So far, so good for the St. Joseph-Ogden girls’ basketball team. The Spartans made the short drive to Champaign on...

Dukeman leads Spartans to victory

April 5, 2019

April 5, 2019

Eight games. Eight wins so far for the St. Joseph-Ogden High School softball team. The Spartans carry an 8-0 mark...

Comments
Leave a Reply