By Samantha Werkheiser

Editor-in-Chief

Redshirt junior Christian Rishel, a business management major, has been playing baseball since he was five years old. The passion he has for this sport hasn’t waned at all since then.

“It’s a fun sport. It’s a great sport to play and a great sport to watch. It’s all in all my favorite sport,” said Rishel.

Rishel is originally from Jersey Shore, Pa., where he led his high school baseball team to many victories. He was a two-time All-State outfielder and 3-time All-PA Heartland Athletic Conference selection, as well as a two-time captain for the Jersey Shore High School baseball team.

Rishel has a true love for sports, having also played football and basketball in high school. He made a late commitment to ESU, but ultimately thinks it was the best choice for him.

“I decided that it was the right fit for me because it’s a good conference and they’re a winning program,” said Rishel about his decision to come to ESU.

During his freshman year, he played in 39 games and started in 29. Rishel ranked fourth in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and seventy-seventh in division II baseball in toughest to strike out. He also helped ESU reach the PSAC championship game.

“It’s relaxing, it’s not a lot of high maintenance stuff. Our practices are relaxed, our games are relaxed.

We don’t do any crazy things that some schools have to do. It’s just fun to be around,” said Rishel about why he likes playing for ESU. Rishel saw even more success in his sophomore year.

He played in all 56 games and started in 54 of them.

He was an All-PSAC East first team designated hitter and was a co-recipient of the ESU Coaches Award.

Unfortunately, Rishel tore three different ligaments in his knee following his sophomore season. This led to an eighteen-month recovery, so Rishel was unable to play his junior year.

He returned this year and has seen even more success. He’s has a batting average of .362 and 26 RBIs. ESU has had 18 wins this season as of April 24.

Rishel said he has valued his time here at ESU and that he appreciates all the opportunities the school has given him

“The friendships are unforgettable,” he said of his fellow teammates.

Rishel hopes to own his own small business after graduating. He has had good practice, having opened his own kettle corn business. They sell at local flea markets, sporting events and fairs, but he hopes to also set up stands outside of super markets too.   

To check out more information on Rishel or the ESU baseball team visit www.esuwarriors.com.

Email Samantha at:

swerkheis4@live.esu.edu