SXU Student-Athlete Earns CCAC Pitcher of the Week
Spring athletics are in full swing, and Saint Xavier University's (SXU) baseball team has already collected quite a few accomplishments. Senior pitcher Julian Vargas has been stunning on the mound, recently awarded the honor of being named Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) Pitcher of the Week.
In his first-ever collegiate Pitcher of the Week win, he logged 7.0 shutout innings, allowing just one hit while recording a career-high 10 strikeouts to lead SXU to a 9-5 victory over Calumet College of St. Joseph.
"It feels great achieving Pitcher of the Week, but honestly, it feels even better knowing that I'm helping the team the best way I can," Vargas said.
Over eight appearances with seven starts on the mound so far this season, Vargas currently leads SXU with a 1.49 earned run average (ERA), 42.1 innings pitched and an opponent batting average of .214. To top off the stellar week, Vargas is tied for No. 22 in career wins for SXU with 21.
With an outstanding work ethic and dedication to the game, Vargas has perfected his talent on the mound throughout his four years with SXU.
"I think just acknowledging where I was weak in my game and having the motivation and work ethic to get better has helped me improve every year. Baseball is a process. There are going to be good and bad days, but having patience and trust in God's plan has always driven me to get better for myself and my team. Every time I'm on the mound, the only thing I'm trying to accomplish is helping my team win," Vargas said.
As the Cougars only have a few more weeks left of regular season ball, Vargas has begun to reflect on his favorite memories with the team as he approaches commencement. Coming off the season last year as CCAC tournament champions, it has been one incredible athletic journey for Vargas.
"The moments and memories I've made with my teammates on and off the field have been the best, from playing hacky sack before games to the creative dugout chirps and celebrations during the game. The best memories have always involved someone doing something hilarious," Vargas said.
Vargas will graduate from SXU in May with a bachelor's degree in communication and a minor in digital marketing. He hopes to begin a career in social media marketing.