Jayse Janda a Star for Shorthorns

Jayse Janda has had a breakout sophomore season for Schulenburg, starring in four different sports.

Last week was one of his biggest yet, as he played in the state golf tournament and, as a catcher, helped lead the Shorthorn baseball team to a comefrom- behind opening round playoff series win over Bracket. Janda and the Shorthorns play Kenedy this week in an area round baseball series.

“Jayse is one of those kids, when you have a son, you want them to be just like him,” said Isaiah Barrera, Schulenburg baseball coach “He shows up every day ready to go to work One of the nicest kids you’ll ever meet, our leader. He’s our quiet team captain is what I say He’s not really vocal but when you need something done he’s always there to have our kids’ backs 100-percent.

If we had 10 more kids like him, we’d be in the best place in the world. He’s such a respectful kid in the classroom.

The teachers love him. The community loves him.”

We’re proud to honor Jayse Janda as this week’s Fayette County Athlete of the Week. Here’s our interview with him:

Talk about coming from behind to win last week’s playoff series and how exciting that was. “Throughout this whole season we faced adversity ... we did it. We didn’t hit the ball too well the first game. But the second and third game, we threw well and hit well.”

When did you start playing catcher in baseball?

“I started probably 10 years ago in little league. I always loved it too. I liked being involved in every play.”

What’s the worst part of playing catcher? “I don’t really think there is a worst part. If you do your job right, there’s nothing too hard about it.”

Do you call the pitches?

“No I don’t Our pitching coach, Coach Bigham, does.

He does an amazing job of it.”

If you have to go out to the mound to settle down a pitcher, what do you say? “I don’t really try to talk about the game too much, just try to get their mind off of it if they are struggling. Try to loosen them up.”

You get to have dinner with three celebrities. Who would you pick? “I’d pick Mike Trout because he’s been my favorite baseball player for a while, Drake (a rapper) and Donald Trump, why not?”

“How many different sports do you play for Schulenburg?” “I play wide receiver and strong safety in football, in basketball I’m a point guard, in baseball I catch and in golf, I’m alright”

Do you have a favorite sport? “I’d say my favorite sport is the one that’s going on at the time,. During football season it’s football, during basketball season it’s basketball and so on.”

You were part of Schulenburg’s state qualifying golf team. What was it like playing at the state golf tournament last week? “It’s tough. It was hot, it was a little wet and rainy, kinda frustrating if you are playing bad.

Really and truly it was a good experience for the second year in a row. “

What are the best and worst parts of your golf game? ‘The worst part is when I’m playing bad I get mad and want to stop. The best part’s gotta be my chipping.”

Any similarities to hitting a golf ball and a baseball well? “If you hit it good it’s going far, and if you’re hitting it good you are in a good mood.”

What are your plans for the summer? “I’m going to work hard in the weight room get ready for football season. Gonna play some summer baseball and relax a little bit, but stay on the grind.”