STEPHANIE HOUSER of SS. John and Paul, shown firing a pitch during the Star Beacon Senior Classic on Sunday at the JAGS Complex, is headed to Mount Union College. WARREN DILLAWAY / The Star Beacon
Published May 30, 2006 07:00 am -
Staying with it
Star Beacon
By BOB ETTINGER
For the Star Beacon
At one point during her high school career, SS. John and Paul senior Stephanie Houser wondered whether she shouldn't just give up softball and concentrate on her studies while in college.
She decided against hanging up her spikes and instead will suit up for Mount Union College, where she will further her education starting next fall.
"For a while, I wondered if it wasn't more important to study in college," Houser said. "I considered losing one dream to concentrate on academics. Softball is something that will always be a part of me and I didn't want to give that up."
The choice to go to Mount Union was seemingly made before Houser even made an official visit there.
"Were coming home from a softball tournament and wanted to drive through just so I could get the feel of (the different schools)," Houser said. "We drove through Walsh University and I kind of liked it. We went through Malone College and I didn't really like that one. It wasn't me. Then we drove through Mount Union and I fell in love with it."
The only other place she considered seriously was Tiffin University.
"They're a Division II school and offered me (scholarship) money to play softball," Houser said. "They're pretty far away and I didn't feel it was the right choice. It's also a little too far from home."
Despite deciding to play collegiate softball, Houser, the daughter of Mike and Cheri Houser, will concentrate more on her grade-point average than her batting average.
"My goal is to have a GPA above 3.7," Houser said. "That's my first goal. I don't plan to start or anything, there are a lot more experienced softball players than I am. My second goal is to learn more of the game and work hard in the offseason."
Houser will major in business marketing with a double minor in business management and Spanish. She isn't entirely certain where those programs will take her.
"I want to focus on getting a good internship," Houser said. "I'll concentrate hard on my studies in order to do that. I want to work for whoever I intern with. I just want to be able to show them I'll be a good employee."
On the field, the long-time pitcher will move off the mound into the field.
Dispatcher Needed in a fast paced busy environment. Must be available for various shifts. Apply within City Taxicab, 1753 West ...>MORE
QUALITY CONTROL Earn up to $100 a day. Evaluate retail stores. Training provided. No exp req. Call 877-218-6203....>MORE
CLERICAL Collections $12-15/hr Customer Service $10-15/hr Office Asst $10-1...>MORE
DRIVERS WANTED DEDICATED ROUTES • Consistent Home Time • $1,100 per wk./avg. • Health + 401k Class-A-...>MORE
MEDICAL DELIVERY DRIVER NEEDED Seeley Medical, a respiratory services company, has a full-time opening for a medical delivery driver to setup home resp...>MORE
PRODUCTION - FIBERGLASS Production - Fiberglass Must be able to transfer shift with short notice Recent verifiable fiberglass exp...>MORE
ASHTABULA AREA CITY SCHOOLS BUSINESS OFFICE
CUSTODIAN, LAKESIDE HIGH SCHOOL 2nd Shift, 2nd Floor, 2:00PM - 10:00PM ...>MORE
SECURITY OFFICERS Come Join the World’s Largest Security Company!Securitas Security is now hiring full Time Officers for the Perry, OH Are...>MORE
NURSING - LPN Full-time position in a 20 bed residential facility serving the MR/DD population. Apply in person: The Gables, ...>MORE
Direct Care Staff Residential Treatment Center Hiring part time direct care staff. primarily evenings & weekends. Must be able to pass bac...>MORE