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Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
(article posted by Jeremy Rushing, Student Sports Information Assistant)

May 20, 2013 - Bouncing back is something Jon Rashid has definitely shown he can do.  Being one of the main pieces to the North Central College baseball team's pitching staff coming into his sophomore season, Jon suffered a season-ending injury just four games in.  After surgery and rehab, Jon came back this season to return to the form he had before he went down.  He immediately took back his spot as one of the top pitchers on the team. 
               
In his first season at North Central, Jon started 10 games.  He finished with a 5-1 record and a 5.03 ERA.  He pitched three complete games, leading the team with 42 strikeouts.  His impressive freshman campaign was noticed by the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW), he was named their Pitcher of the Week  on March 15th.
               
In 2012, Jon started a season about as good as you possibly can.  In his first four starts, Jon held a 2-1 record with a 2.59 ERA.  He was named CCIW Pitcher of the Week on March 13th.  However, that's all we would see from Jon as he went down with a season-ending injury.
               
This year, Jon came back to start in 10 games for the Cardinals.  He finished with a 5-2 record and a 3.93 ERA.  He threw one complete game and finished third on the team with 28 strikeouts.

How long have you been playing baseball?
I've been playing since I was five or six in tee ball.  It was the first sport I really got involved in.

When did you first start pitching?
I didn't start pitching until sixth grade

In high school, did you play any other positions?
I played outfield my freshman year but other than that I've just been a pitcher.

What's your favorite strikeout pitch?
Definitely my change-up.  Especially if we're facing a lot of righties, that's the one I go to when I need a strikeout.

Last year, you went down with a season-ending injury.  What did it feel like to get back on the mound this year?
It felt great.  I definitely missed being out there with my teammates.  That injury last year hurt even more because we were doing so well, so to be back out there felt great.

What is the biggest thing you feel like you can improve upon?
Giving up 0-2 hits.  A lot of times I get ahead 0-2 and end up throwing too good of a pitch and giving up a hit.

Have you played any other sports competitively?
I played football through my freshman year of high school, but other than that it's just been baseball.

What's your favorite class you've taken at North Central?
Any health class with Professor Tammy Wynard.  Her classes are really interesting and student-oriented so it's always a good time.

What's the best advice you've received in regards to pitching?
Probably just to get ahead and to pitch to contact.  I'm not really a strikeout pitcher so I've always been told to let the hitters get themselves out.

Who are the biggest role models in your life?
Definitely my parents and grandparents.  They've always supported me in baseball.  Growing up, my parents would always be out there working with me and trying to make me better.