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.