Elk Grove’s Czeszewski commits to ISU

Jack Czeszewski figured it wasn’t worth waiting any longer to make a decision on his baseball future.

The Elk Grove junior center fielder decided to pull the trigger late last week and make a verbal commitment to Illinois State’s up-and-coming program. Czeszewski, who was an all-area pick last year at St. Viator, said he also had offers and interest from Bradley, Maryland, Villanova, Duke and Notre Dame.

“It was the best fit for me,” Czeszewski said of Illinois State. “A lot of kids I know are going there, even some non-baseball players. The school seems right and it’s a good conference and good team to be on.”

Czeszewski was impressed with second-year head coach Mark Kingston and what he’s already done with the program. Last year ISU won its first Missouri Valley Conference regular-season title, its first conference tourney title since 1994 and its first NCAA tournament game since 1976.

The proximity of ISU was also appealing to Czeszewski.

“I wanted to stay close to home so my grandpa can see me play,” Czeszewski said. “He goes to all of my high school games.”

And now Czeszewski has one less thing to worry about for the rest of this season and next season. He made a big impression Monday when he threw out runners at third base and home plate from center field to help preserve the Grenadiers’ 2-1 win over Schaumburg.

“I wanted to get the pressure off of me … and I can go out and have fun,” Czeszewski said. “I’ve been able to relax a little more but I’m still having fun and still playing hard. Giving my team the best chance to win is all that matters.”