For most, the winter months are a time to bundle up, be inside, stay warm, and relax until spring. However, for junior Garrett Ries, transitioning every day from wrestling to baseball keeps him busy all winter.

On December 7, 2017, Ries announced his commitment to play baseball for South Dakota State University via Twitter. However, he still has a long way to go until he starts playing college ball. This includes completing two more wrestling and baseball seasons at Xavier, while also playing baseball year round for his club team, Perfect Game Iowa Select.

“I think the hardest thing about doing both sports is trying to find the time and energy to do them both,” Ries said. “It takes a lot of commitment to lift, have practice, and lift again.”

Although many might call him crazy or say it would be easier to only do one sport during the winter months, Ries does not want to give up either sport, especially baseball.

“Hitting is one of the best feelings in the world,” Ries said. “I am a catcher, and I like the involvement I have in the game.”

Even through all the stress and tiredness, Ries continues to spend countless hours practicing every day.

“Garrett is a great kid playing on a high level team where everyone has the same goal of playing division one baseball,” Perfect Game Iowa Select Coach Jack Sole said. “All of these young men are very motivated and drive each other to work at the highest level.”

Looking forward, this future Jackrabbit has dreams even beyond SDSU baseball.

“I would like to get drafted and play in the MLB at some point in my life,” Ries said. “But if that does not work I hope to go and work in the car business.”

No matter where Ries ends up, the work ethic he has formed over the years will benefit him in the future.

“Garrett is a great young man with a tremendous upside,” Sole said. “He will be successful at everything he does in life.”

Ries and the rest of the boys’ wrestling team host Cedar Rapids Prairie   tonight, January  25, at 6  p.m.

Syd Walther

Sports Writer