Rogers POTY Jackson Wells heads to the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain
ROGERS, Ark. (BVM) — Just over a month ago, the Major League Baseball Draft took place. High school and college prospects waited eagerly to see if their dreams of playing professional baseball would come true or if they’d continue their collegiate careers. One of those players that did not hear his name was Jackson Wells. The first player from Rogers High School to win Gatorade Arkansas Baseball Player of the Year will continue his athletics and academic career at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain.
Blessed to have been named Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year for baseball. Thankful for everyone who has helped me along the way. #GatoradePOY @Gatorade @benwitcher @BubbaCarpenter_ @RPS_Athletics @UARMBaseball @jreindl24 pic.twitter.com/RVPT6pohHD
— Jackson Wells (@jacksonbwells) June 29, 2021
Congratulations to Jackson Wells GPOY! pic.twitter.com/tz7TcINTpG
— markstricklandphotos (@mastrickland419) June 29, 2021
“Jackson Wells is a natural leader who others want to emulate,” Rogers head baseball coach Matt Melson said in a Gatorade press release. “He is the hardest worker I have ever coached and he has put in more time than any athlete I have seen.”
At 5-foot-10, 204 pounds, Wells showed the baseball community that he can dominate the diamond. The right-handed pitcher performed well and his stats reflected his dominant performance. Wells had an 8-1 record, a 1.28 ERA and 109 strikeouts in 71 innings pitched. Not only did he perform well on the mound but he did well at the plate. Wells had a .330 batting average, 17 RBIs and a .450 on-base percentage.
Performing this well is sure to have resulted not just for you but for your team. Wells’ dominant performance also helped the Mounties capture the Class 6A state title after finishing the season with a 25-7 record.
6A State Champions! Mounties Baseball!! pic.twitter.com/LCf3XFTGcs
— markstricklandphotos (@mastrickland419) May 21, 2021
Well is just as special off the field as he is on the field. In the classroom, he maintained a GPA of 3.81. He also volunteered with his local church group and helped as an instructor and baseball coach at a local baseball camp.
Now, Wells joins a Mountain Rich baseball team that finished with a 29-28 record this past season. Their season ended after losing to Western Oklahoma State College in the Plains District Championship game.
Not only will Wells get to play for a great program, but he’ll also have the privilege to play for a great head coach: Lance Springer. Last season was Springer’s first year coaching the Bucks, but he’s had success coaching baseball before. Five times, Springer was named the Texarkana Gazettes Southwest Arkansas/Northeast Texas High School Baseball Coach of the Year. With Wells joining, Springer is sure to have more success in the sport.
Currently, Wells isn’t on any MLB team’s radar. But with a little luck, hard work and determination, the right-handed pitcher can help boost odds of making it to baseball’s highest level.
