Rochelle senior Michael Schlenbecker has signed to continue his academics and his baseball career at Kishwaukee College next season. Schlenbecker appeared in seven games for the Hubs this season, hitting .357 over 16 plate appearances with three doubles and three RBIs.

“I chose Kishwaukee College for academics and athletics because I felt that it was the best opportunity for me to show out and succeed in the future,” Schlenbecker said. “I couldn’t be more excited. I’m looking forward to seeing the atmosphere of college athletics as well as the improved skill and work ethic of these college athletes. I’m also looking forward to building new bonds with my coaches and teammates. Playing beyond high school is the next step for me.”

Schlenbecker spent four years with the Rochelle Township High School baseball program. Despite losing his junior season to the COVID-19 pandemic, Schlenbecker was productive at the plate, totaling eight hits and drawing a pair of walks. The left-handed senior finished with a .438 on-base percentage and a .571 slugging percentage with the Hubs, who went 7-12 this season.

“Playing at RTHS has helped me a lot,” Schlenbecker said. “I was able to play against great competition. I thought high school baseball showed me where I needed to be, in terms of skill and work ethic, in order to compete at the college level. I envision my role as doing whatever I can to help the team win. Playing time is earned and my biggest goal for the upcoming season is to bring energy and confidence to the clubhouse. Kishwaukee College will be getting a hard worker who has passion for the game and will do anything he can to help the team win.”

Schlenbecker said he plans to study radiology while minoring in engineering. He said he plans to earn his associate’s degree from Kishwaukee College and then transfer to a four-year school in order to continue his education and eventually become an x-ray technician.