Highlights

Campus News

Wildcat Weekly Minute for Nov. 17, 2011

A look at what's happening on campus this week.

Faith

Cleansed through the Cross

Dr. Quarles speaks on the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice at weekly chapel

Sports

LC hoops teams wrap up homestand with pair of wins

Off to Ozarks, UT-Dallas next

Organizations

LC media student give to Toys for Tots

More than 100 toys will help local charity

Campus Life

February is Heart Health Awareness Month

Stay healthy and 'God Red'

Culture

All the Shakespeare you could laugh at… and more!

tlc's adaptation of 'Shakespeare Abridged' pulls out all the stops

Special Coverage

LC brings another successful ‘Follow the Star’

'Christmas on the Hill' and 'Gala' add to festive weekend

LC’s Jones ready for new role

by Jordan Meisner

From player to coach all before he graduates

PINEVILLE, La. – As the Louisiana College baseball team prepared to face Hardin-Simmons University last week in the first round of the American Southwest Conference Tournament, many of its team members turned to senior relief pitcher Steven Jones for guidance and advice.

That is because Jones is a coach on the field, literally.

On April 26, Jones, who was one of the wildcat’s most reliable relievers, was tentatively named the head baseball coach of De Witt High School in De Witt, Ark.

“It’s up there around the top,” said Jones of where being named the head man at De Witt ranks among his greatest accomplishments.

Though that may seem like an understatement, Jones’ list of on field accomplishments throughout his high school and college career is extensive.

As a multi-sport athlete at powerhouse Junction City High School in Arkansas, Jones played Quarterback on the 2003 Class AA state championship football team as well as playing third base and pitching on the 2004 Class AA state championship baseball team.

Those experiences he had in high school, along with being a key member of LC’s bullpen the past two years, have helped Jones prepare for his future career.

“From a player standpoint, I’ve been able to sit back and learn the ins and outs of the game, both mentally and physically, “ Jones said, “I’m ready I’m excited to take what I’ve learned in my time at LC and pass it along to my players so that they’ll be ready for whatever endeavors they may attempt in their life.”

Jones has certainly been ready for many challenges that he has faced the last several years in college, including being converted from an outfielder to a pitcher before his first season on LC’s campus, and then being convinced to turn into a submarine style pitcher prior to his junior season.

His willingness to make changes and handle adversity in order to help out his team has stuck out to those around him.

“Steven showed up everyday with an attitude of someone happy to be there,” said LC assistant coach Andrew Shelton of Jones’ approach towards the game. "That’s all you can ask for out of a player or coach, someone who loves the game and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

That will to win, along with his passion and enthusiasm for the game certainly stood out during Jones’ interview process, as it is rare for a school to take a chance on a 22-year-old as head coach.

However, Jones has no doubt of his abilities to get the job done.

“Age is just a number,” Jones said, “What it comes down to is being confident in what you know and bringing energy and enthusiasm to De Witt High School baseball.”

While handling a baseball program and creating a winning tradition at his new mainstay is certainly a priority for Jones at this point, he realizes that he must enjoy the little time that he has left in college.

He certainly manages to do this, as he is known around the Wildcat locker room as one of the team’s primary jokesters.

“Jones is a really funny guy, just fun to be around,” said senior pitcher Bret King when talking about Jones’ prowess with one-liners, "He’s the type of guy that can turn any situation into something enjoyable.”

King warns future De Witt high school players, however, not to mistake Jones’ easy-going persona for a weakness.

“He’s going to make sure they know that there is a difference between work time and play time,” said King, “As a player, knowing that he has a funny side would make playing for him more relaxed, but he also has a mentality that they have to be there to work.”

Jones’ also realizes that the people around are more than willing to lend support in his future endeavors.

One of these people is LC head baseball coach Mike Byrnes, who Jones credits with giving him one of the more meaningful pieces of advice he has received since hearing of his hiring.

“When Coach Byrnes found out I got the job he was happier than I was," Jones said. "He came up to me and said, ‘when you go up there, just be yourself, don’t change anything about you and they’ll know they made the right decision.’”

Being himself and working hard is something that Jones has always been comfortable with, and that is beginning to pay off for him in the coming weeks and months as he first prepares to walk across the stage at LC’s spring graduation ceremonies on May 8th.

After that, it’s off to De Witt to start a new stage of his life, something that he is more than willing to take on.

“Anytime you can get the chance to do what you love as a career it’s hard to top that.”

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