Rochelle senior Owen Angell became interested in Sauk Valley Community College after a strong season with the Sauk Valley Xpress travel club this past summer, when he formed a relationship with Skyhawks head coach Eann Cox. The versatile middle infielder announced this past month that he will continue his academics and his baseball career at Sauk Valley next year.

“Coach Cox was really interested in having me there after I had a solid season with the Sauk Valley summer team and he persuaded me in a way,” Angell said. “It’s also close to home and I have family that lives nearby so it’s really convenient. I chose to go the JUCO route so I can transfer to a bigger school when the opportunity comes. I look forward to the competition at the college level and I want to prove myself in every tough situation that comes at me.”

Angell will enter his second season with the Rochelle Hub varsity baseball team this spring. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound infielder lost his sophomore season to the COVID-19 pandemic and earned limited at-bats in his junior season, where he went 3-for-13 with three RBIs while coming off an injury suffered during the spring football season. Angell will be a prime candidate for more playing time as one of the several seniors returning to the varsity baseball team this season.

“I haven’t been this excited to start my senior season since my junior season ended,” Angell said. “I have been working hard to get back to 100 percent over the offseason and in the weight room. I’m more than ready to work as hard as possible for my team this year. I want to win and I want to win with this team. We’ve all been playing together from a young age and I think we have great chemistry. I wouldn’t want to play my senior season with any other group of guys.”

Angell and the Hubs will tee off the upcoming baseball season against Rockford Boylan on the road Wednesday, March 23 before facing Rockford Auburn for their home opener on Friday, March 25. Angell said he’s considering studying business, but he’s currently undecided about a major.

“Sauk Valley recruited me to be a middle infielder, but I think I’m ready to play wherever I can help my team the most,” Angell said. “I’ve been a utility player since I was young and my athleticism is a big factor in my ability to succeed in that role. I’ve had some great coaches over the years who’ve helped me learn all of the positions. One thing that isn’t stressed enough with Rochelle being a small town is how everybody should learn how to play every position.”

“I’m excited for Owen and I think it’s great when our players continue on and play baseball as long as possible,” Rochelle head coach Jarrod Reynolds said. “Sauk Valley Community College will be a great opportunity for Owen and I’m looking forward to watching him play this season.”