Former Rochelle student-athlete Hayden Jones has returned to the Hub City after one year with the TCS Post Grad Academy in McKinney, Texas. Jones will be continuing his academics and athletics at the collegiate level, signing with Kishwaukee College to play baseball and golf.

Jones spent four years with the Rochelle Township High School baseball program including two years on the varsity team under head coach Jarrod Reynolds. A first baseman and left-handed pitcher for the Hubs, Jones smashed four home runs and totaled 15 RBIs during his senior season, helping Rochelle to a 16-9 record. His efforts also contributed to a Northern Illinois Big 12 West title his junior season, Rochelle first conference baseball title since 2006.

“I chose Kishwaukee College because it’s close to home and I can have a chance to play golf and baseball again,” Jones said. “I’m looking forward to the competition because, at the college level, you’re not promised a spot, and that will motivate me to work hard. Being a student-athlete at RTHS allowed me to play the sports I love, and TCS gave me a great opportunity to improve my skills. I’m hoping to show some of what I learned while playing in Texas.”

Jones played three years of golf at RTHS including two years of varsity golf under head coach Glen Mehrings. Jones, who recently competed in the 2020 Fairways Men’s Championship earlier this month, will have the chance to learn under new Kishwaukee College coach Thomas Brennan, a local player and former club champion in the Hub City.

The 2020-21 season will be the first for the Kishwaukee College men’s golf program since before 2010. Jones said he plans to study business or sports management while playing for the Kougar baseball and golf teams.

“I never thought I would be able to golf collegiately,” Jones said. “Coach Mehrings was and still is a great coach, and I thought he allowed me to have a lot of freedom on the golf course. He really taught me how to enjoy the game.”