Vanguard University

The athlete:  Richard comes to Vanguard from Melrose High School…2005 graduate…earned the Cy Young award as a senior for MHS…played basketball and baseball in high school…played American Legion baseball…has played the game for 13 years…bats right…throws right…good build…strong frame…will compete for time on the mound as a collegiate rookie…works hard on mechanics…motivated to improve…will use this season to gain experience and knowledge of the collegiate game…expect to see Jessup’s name more in the years to come.

The person:  Richard was born in Yuma, Arizona on May 8, 1987 to his parents Rich and Lisa Jessup…has one older sister…people call him “Rich” for short…has not declared a major at this time…likes to eat steak…sports hero is Charlie Ward…favorite movie is “Bad Boys 2”…enjoys watching “Fresh Prince of Belair” on television…loves the color blue and the number 12…spends free time playing basketball and other sports…would like to meet Curt Schilling…likes the chemistry on his VU baseball team…has learned not to take life for granted…competing in athletics has taught him to strive for something big.

His thoughts:  I came to Vanguard because my dad, my grandfather, and my grandmother came here.  I like the school, the people, and my team.

Coach Mallernee’s comments:  Rich had a good fall and hammered out some mechanical issues.  He is a nice young man that shows up every day with a plan to get better.