Austin Jones is a senior on the Dowagiac baseball team.

 

What has been one of your greatest accomplishments as an athlete?

AJ: Being a two-time sportsmanship award winner.

 

What has been one of your biggest disappointments as an athlete?

AJ: Losing districts in football.

 

What has been a hardship in your life?

AJ: Living in more than 15 different houses since moving to Dowagiac in sixth grade.

 

Who is a “hero” in your life and why?

AJ: My uncle James Kocsis is my hero, because everyone told him he was not going to make it and now he navigates ships in the Navy.

 

When are you the most nervous while you are competing?

AJ: When I get down on myself.

 

Describe an embarrassing athletic moment.

 

AJ: When I tripped and fell trying to catch a fly ball against Edwardsburg last year.

 

How do you tend to work out/train when by yourself?

AJ: I try to push myself. I never like to settle.

 

What other sport would you like to compete in if you were not playing yours?

AJ: Golf and long jump in track.

 

Why are sports an important part of a high school experience?

AJ: Sports brings people together and helps you make friends while learning to be accountable and work together.

 

How would you give away $50,000?

AJ: I would use it to help my parents.

If you could be the head coach of a team for a year, what team would you choose?

AJ:The Detroit Lions.

 

If I did not play sports, I would…?

AJ: Work and hang out with my friends more.

 

What is the most challenging thing for you to do in your sport?

AJ: Sometimes I am too quick to get down on myself.

If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be?

AJ: The rule that you have to stay in the dugout. I move around too much.

 

What is the best compliment you have ever received?

AJ: Compliments about my work ethic.

 

What was the scariest thing you have had to do? Are you glad you did it?

AJ: The scariest thing I had to do was move here from Decatur. I am very glad I did it.

 

What is your favorite hobby? Why?

AJ: Hanging with my boys. I love these guys.

 

Choose one word to describe yourself:

AJ: Dedication.