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2009-11-21

2009-11-18

2009-11-05

Agriculture

Lifestyles

Friday, October 16, 2009 11:55 PM

Photo courtesy of Katie Tooley

Ottawa University new pitcher Gustavo Sanchez delivers a pitch during a scrimmage this fall. Sanchez is a junior college transfer. Ottawa coach Joe Reed said Sanchez has “good stuff” and will be a big boost to the pitching staff.

OU’s Sanchez adjusts to life in United States

By JOSHUA VAIL, Special to The Herald

Despite being almost 2,600 miles from home, Gustavo Sanchez finds time to talk to his family.

Sanchez, junior, recreation administration major, and a new pitcher on the Ottawa Braves baseball team, hails from the city of Valencia, Venezuela, where his family still lives.

Sanchez frequently finds time to call his family to let them know how he’s doing.

“My two people that I admire the most are my parents,” he said.

Sanchez has been playing baseball for 15 years, and pitching for most of it.

He said that he likes the sport for the tactics and interaction with teammates.

Of course, he also likes to win.

Sanchez already has had two years as an international student.

He transferred to Ottawa from Western Nebraska Community College.

“When coach [Joe] Reed saw me, he made me an offer, that’s how I ended up here,” he said.

Sanchez said he likes Ottawa for its small size and the students and faculty.

“People are great, my team is great,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez described himself as very friendly but quiet.

Joe Reed, head baseball coach, agreed.

“Very humble, soft-spoken. Very likable guy, a good friend,” Reed said of Sanchez.

Reed said he believes Sanchez is a great addition to the team.

“He definitely has what we call pitch-ability,” he said.

According to Reed, good pitching is more important than good batting.

“Gustavo possesses some potential,” Reed said.

“Anytime a pitcher comes in that has stuff like he has, it’s going to give the team an entire boost. They’re going to be tough to beat on those days.”

Reed also said that Sanchez takes a leadership role on the Ottawa Braves team.

“He’s a catalyst,” Reed said. “He really sets the tone for us on defense.”

Christian Rivera, a senior exercise science major and catcher on the team, agrees with the coach’s opinion.

“He’s a good teammate, takes care of his business,” he said. “He makes sure others are doing their jobs as well.”

Rivera and Sanchez are both new transfers and roommates.

Rivera said that Sanchez is organized, responsible, and punctual.

“He’s a good roommate,” Rivera said. “I have no complaints.”

Sanchez also is very solid in his academic studies.

“He’s very impressive as a student,” Reed said.

The coach also said that international students sometimes struggle because of language barriers.

“What’s impressive with Gustavo, he’s been able to pick up the English language very quickly,” Reed said. “He has the ability to excel.”

While he feels he may get a little more attention as an international student it’s not too much.

“People don’t treat you like you’re different,” he said.

Sanchez noticed cultural differences between Venezuela and the United States. More people celebrate traditional holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“We don’t do it as much in Venezuela,” he said.

Of course, the weather is different as well.

“We always have 90-degree weather, even in wintertime,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez spoke briefly on his future goals.

“My goals are to get my degree, sign a baseball pro contract,” he said.

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OU’s Sanchez adjusts to life in United States

By JOSHUA VAIL, Special to The Herald

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article | Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article |
Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.