April 1, 2019 at 11:44 a.m.
Randolph commits to play baseball at Concordia-Wisconsin
Randolph commits to play baseball at Concordia-Wisconsin
The Rhinelander High School senior signed a letter of intent Thursday to play baseball at NCAA Division III Concordia University Wisconsin, located in the Milwaukee suburb of Mequon.
"Baseball in college, it's always been a dream of mine to play, just knowing that, after high school, it doesn't have to end like it does for a lot of kids," Randolph said.
It's been a quick rise for Randolph, who played outfield as a sophomore for the Hodags and didn't make his varsity-level pitching debut until a Class AA American Legion regional tournament game against Antigo in the summer of 2017.
He finished with the Hodags' best ERA last spring and figures to be at or near the top of a senior-laden rotation for RHS this season.
"Josh definitely has the talent, the physical ability and the skill to play at the next level," RHS baseball coach Joe Waksmonski said. "He's been a good leader. He's taken some of the young guys (under his wing) early in the season so far.
"Of course, he'll be playing key spots for us - shortstop and one of our top pitchers. I know he's ready to handle all of that pressure."
Randolph said the recruiting process began when he received a handwritten note from CUW head coach Eddy Morgan.
"He wanted to get more information, meet me as a person rather than just as a player," Randolph said. "He's a really great guy. He really shows that he cares about his team and his players, not just as teammates but as people.
"Concordia, as soon as I saw that they were interested in me, I looked into them as a school - like their facilities and everything - and I thought it would be a perfect fit being outside Milwaukee with all the opportunities they have in the city, too."
Randolph will be joining a team that was 6-8 on the season heading into a doubleheader Monday against Aurora University. Last year, the Falcons went 23-19 and finished 11-9 in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference. Morgan is in his sixth year at the helm at Concordia.
Randolph was 2-2 last year for the Hodags with a 1.93 ERA, 30 strikeouts and only 15 walks in 29 innings of work. He faced the minimum and tossed a one-hitter in a win over Tomahawk last May. He led the team in ERA last spring, and was second to teammate Bryce Schickert in strikeouts and innings pitched.
He was 2-1 last summer with the Rebels with a 1.68 ERA. Randolph's bat also heated up during Legion play as he hit .415 with a home run and 12 RBIs.
All of this has Randolph ready to take on a big role for the Hodags this spring.
"Him being a senior this year, we look for him to play a big role with leadership," Waksmonski said. "There are some shoes to fill in that regard. Knowing Josh, and knowing what he's capable of, I know that we're in good hands when it comes to our leadership."
Randolph added having the recruiting process out of the way before the Hodags start playing games will take pressure off of him this spring.
"It's more just relaxed now. I can just go to work, show what I have. I don't have to worry about scouts being there. I can just play my game," he said.
Randolph is the latest in a line of Hodags who have committed to play baseball at the D-III level, including two of his former teammates, Jacob DeMeyer (UW-Whitewater) and Brad Comer (UW-Stevens Point).
"It's such and honor to be in the same group as them, being friends with them, playing with them the whole time," Randolph said. "I feel like it will be so much fun being able to play against them in the next level."
Randolph said he plays to major in sports and entertainment business at Concordia.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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