Sports
JJC Baseball Adds 2 Knights
Lincoln-Way Central players Matt Filkins and Jake Kozlowski signed to play baseball at Joliet Junior College on Thursday. They said they'll always remember the time they shared with late teammate Tommy Schuman.
In the midst of a tumultuous season, two baseball stars took the next step and signed to keep playing at Joliet Junior College.
Matt Filkins, of Manhattan, and Jake Kozlowski, of New Lenox, were joined by their families and current and future coaches Thursday to sign with JJC.
"It's a really good fit for both the guys," coach Sean Bieterman said. "These are two guys who, from start to finish, have gotten better every day. Their best baseball continues to be ahead of them."
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They'll join another teammate, Jack Krull, at JJC next year. Krull signed earlier this season.
Filkins and Kozlowski said they're looking forward to getting a fresh start in college, but they still want to finish the job this season. That means winning a state championship.
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The team has taking on the slogan "Together for Tommy," since team captain Tommy Schuman died March 31 from an undiagnosed cardiac condition.
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Looking back on their high school careers, Filkins and Kozlowski immediately said Schuman's friendship is what they'll remember most.
"Big impact," he said of Schuman's effect on the team," Kozlowski said. "It started out rough but we picked it up as a team and came together."
"I miss the kid," Filkins said. "I'll never forget the times we had."
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