Vanguard University

The athlete:  Richard continues his Lion career as a junior in 2008…had six starts in 16 appearances  on the mound for the Lions in 2007…had one complete game and three wins while striking out 28…second on the team in ’07 with 67.2 innings pitched…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…continues to get better.

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 “Shooter” and TV show is “Fresh Prince of Bel Air”…loves the colors blue and black and the number 12…spends free time playing basketball and other sports…would like to meet Michael Jordan…being trustworthy is what he says is the most important characteristic for a person to have…learned in life to not take anything for granted…baseball has taught him to give his all in everything he does.

His thoughts:  Playing baseball is what I like most about Vanguard.

Coach Mallernee’s comments:  Rich has established himself as a quality pitcher in the GSAC.  Above that, he is a quality young man.