Vanguard University

The athlete:  Richard returns for his sophomore season in the Blue and Gold…made eight appearances on the mound as a freshman in 2006…pitched 15.2 innings, making one start and earning a 1-0 record…came to Vanguard from Melrose High School…2005 graduate…earned the Cy Young award as a senior for MHS…led the state in strikeouts as a senior…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…throws strikes…above average fastball and good off-speed pitch…works hard on mechanics…motivated to improve…gained a season of experience and knowledge last year…hopes to increase his role in 2007…look for Jessup to be a contributing factor on VU’s pitching staff this season.

The person:  Richard Ryan Jessup 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…is a Kinesiology major with an emphasis on Teaching and Coaching…sports hero is Charlie Ward…favorite movie is “Angels in the Outfield” and TV show is “Fresh Prince of Belair”…loves the color blue and the number 12…spends free time playing basketball and other sports…would like to meet Michael Jordan…thinks that obesity is the biggest problem in the world… has learned not to take life for granted…competing in athletics has taught him to strive to be the best.

His thoughts:  I chose Vanguard because some of my family came here.  I like the baseball program and that Vanguard is a Christian school.

Coach Mallernee’s comments:  Rich has been a guy that has made the most noticeable improvements from last year.  He has emerged as one of our best pitchers.