Otto is Golden
Johnson County Community College
Press Release
College Information and Publications
913-469-8500
Julie Haas, Associate Vice President, Marketing Communications, ext. 3120
Peggy Graham, Writer, ext. 3425
Tyler Cundith, Sports Information Director, ext. 3122
10/30/2008
Story by Tyler Cundith
Otto is Golden
Doug Otto |
“This a great honor,” Otto said. “When I think of all the great players who have had their names on this award before me, it is amazing. This is something you dream about.”
Otto, who graduated from Helias High School in Jefferson City, Mo., posted a.424 batting average (78-for-184) with 20 doubles, five triples, six home runs, 65 runs scored, 49 RBI and 30 stolen bases. He led the team in average, doubles, triples, home runs and runs scored. He also was second in RBI and stolen bases. His 78 hits are the third best season in team history, and he ranks second with 20 doubles. In all, Otto etched his name in 12 season and career categories at JCCC. As a shortstop, Otto had one of the best season’s from that position in team history, posting a fielding percentage of .960, committing only 12 errors in 300 fielding chances. In the World Series, Otto hit a team-best .667, going 4-for-6 with two doubles, a home run, three RBI, five runs and three walks. He also was 3-for-3 in stolen bases.
JCCC head coach Kent Shelley has always approached the game with a blue-collar work ethic, and each year tries to have his team adopt his philosophy. Otto was a perfect example of who Shelley looks for in a player.
Otto walked on at Johnson County in the fall of 2006 rather than enroll at Kansas as he originally planned to do. As a freshman, Otto hit just .231 in 117 at-bats, but continued to work during the summer on his game. His dedication and work ethic not only earned him the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, but he was named as a first-team NJCAA All-American at shortstop, selected to the JUCO World Series
All-Tournament Team, selected to play for the NJCAA All-Star Team last summer, voted the MVP of the East Jayhawk Conference and was named as a first-team All-Region VI performer. Otto left JCCC as the program’s most decorated player.
“My defense has always been a strength, but to play everyday really helped my confidence and everything clicked,” he said. “Last season was unbelievable. We just really played together as a team.”
While Otto’s hard work helped him earn some individual notoriety, he is not sitting back resting on his laurels. Otto now has his focus and drive geared toward helping Virginia Commonwealth become a better team, and himself an even better player.
“When I came to JCCC, I just wanted to work hard, start and be able to move on.” Otto said. “Now my goal is to still play hard, but I hope to play well enough to get drafted and play at that level.”
http://www.jccc.edu/athletics