CHAMPAIGN, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY)- Welcome to our first installment of Athlete of the Week, recognizing exceptional high school athletes in our community. JayDon Riggs Senior of Urbana High School was nominated by his coach Brandon McFarland. “Through 17 games, Jay is hitting .550 with 22 hits, 8 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR. He is as consistent of a player as they come. In the last two games, he went 3 for 5 against top-notch pitching. When the competition rises, so does JayDon’s level of play.”
5 Questions with JayDon
What got you into your sport, how long have you been playing?
“My grandparents put me into sports when I was young, and the first sport I played was baseball when I started at 3.”
What is your favorite part of the game?
“My favorite part of the game is hitting. I love to study swing mechanics and listen to big leaguers’ approach and their mindset when they’re in the batter’s box.”
Who has been a great support system or role model to you?
“My grandfather has been my biggest support system in every sport growing up, he always tried to get me the new gear that came out and tried his best to pay for travel ball as well. And the past 3 years my brother has been the biggest role model to me he’s really taught me about mental toughness and even more importantly how to be a good man.”
Who is one of your sports idols?
“My sports role models are Mike Trout and Bryce Harper. Mike Trout has been one of my favorite players for a few years now, because of the way he played the game and how he is off of the field also. Harper recently became a role model when he got traded to the Phillies his grittiness and competitiveness are what stand out to me.”
What are you most proud of this season?
“I’m most proud of what I have been able to accomplish with my bat at the varsity level, I always knew that I could compete at this level but to put up the same if not better numbers than I have in the past two seasons on JV has been special to me because I always wanted to put my name out there and get the opportunity to play at the next level.”