The Oracle’s monthly Q&A with a South alumnus who participates in college athletics

Zach Jones, 2012 South graduate, currently plays baseball at Northwestern University. Last season,

Jones was the two-time winner of the “Big Ten Freshman of the Week.”

What is your favorite memory from last season?

“[My] favorite memory from last season was definitely the game we played at Wrigley Field. I’m a big Cubs fan, so it was awesome to

play on that field and we won, so that’s always a plus.”

What is a piece of advice you would give to South athletes?

“I would say to work hard at what you are doing, it will be a lot more fun when the season comes around if you do that. But a large part

of that work comes in the offseason; you have to work hard out of season if you want to have a successful season. And I would also

say to just enjoy it. It’s great to be on a team with all your best friends, but it doesn’t last forever so you need to enjoy it while you can.”

When did you first become interested in playing baseball?

“I’ve been playing since I was really little- I can’t even remember how old. I was always on some kind of team and also would play with

my brothers in the yard. I just always really liked [baseball] more than the other sports I was playing, so I stuck with it and it ended up

working out.”

How did this past season go?

“Last season was a lot of fun. I got to play a little more than I had expected. Playing my freshman year was a great learning experience

for me that I think will help me out a lot in the upcoming years.”

How did South sports prepare you for your college career?

“At GBS they always had me playing up in baseball. Freshman year I played with sophomores and after that they put me on varsity.

I think that helped me become a much better player, playing against older and better competition. That definitely helped me out last

year because for the most part I was usually one of the kids on the field. Playing multiple sports also helped out. There are some good

coaches there that can teach you a lot.”

What do you think of Northwestern’s baseball program?

“I think the program is getting better every year. I’m expecting big things out of us this year. The guys on the team are great, the

coaches are great. It’s a really great place overall, baseball and school. I’m really happy to be here.”