Thu Sep 02 2010
by Frank Aceto
Associate Sports Editor
Aaron Swenson remembers it like it happened yesterday.
The Twinsburg graduate, who will be a junior on the Youngstown State University baseball team, recalls pitching to a former teammate and one of his best friends.
That would be Brian Kordal, a member of the University of Akron baseball team. These two athletes played instrumental roles during the Tigers' run to the 2006 Division I state semifinals.
This time, however, the situation was much different. Kordal was on the other side. Lets just say Swenson, a standout pitcher, didn't put the ball in the location he hoped to put it.
"Brian got a double off me," Swenson said. "He gives me some grief about it sometimes. I guess he deserves bragging rights."
Swenson also has pitched to a former battery mate of his. Gerald Ogrinc, the cleanup hitter on the 2006 Twinsburg squad, plays for the Wright State University baseball team in Dayton.
"I've done well against Gerald," Swenson said with a smile.
A star is born
Swenson got his feet wet for the Penguins as a freshman.
He became a star during his sophomore campaign.
The right-hander was named the Horizon League Pitcher of the Year in 2008 as Youngstown State finished 23-33 overall and 13-12 in the league.
Swenson started 13 games and finished 6-3 with a 3.55 earned run average. He struck out 65 batters and issued just 14 walks in 99 innings.
"From the start, you could just tell he had a lot of tools on the mound," said Youngstown State head baseball coach Rich Pasquale. "He really stands out. His fastball, slider and work ethic are awesome. We'll be looking for him to be a leader next year."
Swenson, who finished 3-2 in 2007, has made his name by thriving in the clutch.
"Time after time, Aaron gave us the outing we needed," Pasquale said. "We use him in the No. 3 spot and felt really good with him on the mound if we split the first two games with our conference rivals."
Swenson, a business marketing major, played quarterback for the Twinsburg football team. He believes playing football helped prepare him for college.
"I don't really get that nervous," Swenson said. "I played quarterback for four years at Twinsburg. I played in front of big crowds. I try to focus on what's on the field and not on the entire stadium."
Swenson has trouble forgetting about his other true love.
"I miss football," he said. "Football was a big part of my life. I wanted to play in college. I've had a great time playing baseball, but there are still times when I wish I was playing football."
He may want to stick to baseball.
In fact, Swenson's coach believes he has a long future on the mound.
"He has the potential to pitch on the next level," Pasquale said. "A lot of guys know about him now after his breakout season. We're looking for big things from him."
Swenson would like to help the Penguins win a Horizon League title and get to the NCAA Tournament.
Nevertheless, even those accomplishments will have a difficult time matching his senior year on the diamond.
"Getting to the state semifinals was one of the best experiences of my life," Swenson said. "That is something I will never forget."
E-mail: faceto@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3914
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