Cody Wielgosh is hoping to make an immediate impact at Valley City State. The 18-year-old infielder from Beausejour spent the past years playing for the Carillon Sultans, but is now hoping to crack the travel roster at the North Dakota based university.
The Vikings play in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ top division. It’s a short turnaround for Wielgosh to get used to a new environment, as Valley City is set to kick off their fall season beginning Sept. 10.
It was an easy choice for Wielgosh to play for the Vikings, announcing the commitment early this spring, meaning he had all summer to prepare.
“It’s a really nice school,” Wielgosh said.
“It’s been around for a while, they know what they’re doing… It’s only a six hour drive so my parents are still able to come watch games. I’ve known quite a few people that have come here for baseball, and they all couldn’t say anything bad about the program.”
Just seeing teammates in inter-squad action has been an adjustment for Wielgosh, who noted the team has three pitchers who could throw 90 miles per hour.
“It’s definitely more competitive,” he said.
“I thought the Carillon and winter ball coaches did a lot of work to get us prepared to the best of our ability. I feel good. Obviously there’s room to improve, but it’s been good so far.”
Wielgosh is one of many Manitoba players now playing collegiate ball that participated in the Home Run Sports winter program.
“Everybody wants to compete, and guys are falling in love with the competition side,” he said.
“Home Run Sports has done a great job with everybody in producing really great baseball players throughout the winters when you can’t be outside. College baseball is fun, I can see why everyone wants to do it.”
Wielgosh said his goal this season is to make the travel roster for the Vikings. He’s competing against 50 other players for spots on that team. His week is full of workouts and baseball practices.
“It’s a grind on top of classes and everything,” Wielgosh said.
“You want good grades, to get bigger and stronger, play hard every day.”
In the classroom, Wielgosh is pursuing a agri-business degree.
“Coaches understand academics are first, it’s good everyone is on the same page,” he said.
Due to the early start to the fall collegiate baseball season, Wielgosh couldn’t join his Carillon teammates at the Western Canadian Championships.
“It was really unfortunate, but that’s a sacrifice you’ve got to make,” he said.
“I really wish I was there for the team.”
Source: The Carillon
