Iola High School junior Jarrett Herrmann is well on his way to making his baseball dreams come true. Herrmann, a utility player for the Mustangs, competed at the Under Armour Preseason All-American tournament last weekend in Tucson, Ariz. Herrmann played a handful of games against top competition including a few players already committed to some big name schools. “It was one heck of an experience,” Herrmann said. “I was on the West team and got to meet some kids from California, Hawaii and other places. Everyone was super nice. No one was cocky, everyone was really welcoming.” Herrrmann was not lost in the shuffle, going 2-4 with three walks in what are considered simulated games. Each team sends four batters per inning and then the teams switch. As a utility player, Herrmann played all over the field. “My primary position was shortstop, but I also played in the outfield,” Herrmann said. “I liked playing center field the most.” For Herrmann, the process to get to the tournament began last year with showcases and tryouts. After that, he was alerted by Under Armour scouts to expect a call. That call came the next day and Herrmann when was asked to play in a Baseball Factory tournament last fall, also in Arizona. That was an easy yes even though Herrmann had to miss a football game. After his performance at the tournament, Herrmann was invited to last weekend’s event. The event was also a great way to connect with colleges. Oral Roberts University in Tulsa has expressed interest in Herrmann. Recruiting for baseball, as opposed to football and basketball, ramps up in the summer preceding an athlete’s senior season. Herrmann said he received positive feedback at the Tucson camp, including feedback from some MLB assistants on hand. With the Under Armour tournament behind him, Herrmann will now turn his focus to Iola’s upcoming season. The Mustangs begin workouts toward the end of February. To keep his skills sharp between seasons, Herrmann heads north. “We’ve been going to Kansas City on the weekends for practice and to develop skills, with my summer ball coach Charlie Hovey,” said Herrmann. Herrmann also practices hitting each day and stays after school to lift weights. With his performance last weekend, Herrmann is set up for big things if he can back it up with a quality season on the diamond once the Mustangs take the field in March. This time next year we could see Herrmann sign with a Division I school.
Iola High School junior Jarrett Herrmann is well on his way to making his baseball dreams come true. Herrmann, a utility player for the Mustangs, competed at the Under Armour Preseason All-American tournament last weekend in Tucson, Ariz.
