With two brothers who played baseball, a mother who was a three-sport athlete in college and a father who coached him growing up, junior right-handed pitcher and integrative studies major Tim Koons was bound to play the sport.

“Growing up, we never had video games that we played,” Koons said. “We played sports outside all of the time. We’re a pretty athletic family.”

Koons’ brother, Mike, currently plays in the North American Baseball League (NABL).

After watching his brother go on to play college ball, Koons said he decided that would be the right path for him as well.

For the week of March 11, Koons was named the Summit League Pitcher of the Week, which also earned him OU Student-Athlete of the Week honors. The league and school recognized him after giving up two runs on four hits in eight innings in a 6-2 victory over Ohio March 10.

“I’m pretty relaxed going into it,” Koons said of how he feels before he pitches. “I like to stay relaxed, I do some yoga and just listen to music.”

From Colorado to Michigan

Koons was raised in Castle Rock, Colo. He attended Castle View High School, where he was a four-year varsity letter-winner. For two years, he was a student-athlete at Fort Scott Community College.

At FSCC, Koons put up a 2.60 ERA with 59 strikeouts. He was also named to the All-Star team for the Florida Collegiate Summer League. When choosing where to go next, Koons said he felt comfortable with Oakland University.

“I kind of just found a place with Coach Musachio here,” Koons said. “I liked the program. I liked what they were doing. I liked where I could have potential playing, starting off.”

Easy transition

Head coach John Musachio was impressed with Koons from the start.

“As a player, he’s very polished,” Musachio said. “We knew he wouldn’t be intimidated and we play such a challenging non-league schedule that the mental toughness part and the emotional toughness part are really important. We knew Tim had those qualities and we knew he was going to hit the ground running when he got here.”

When it comes to his strengths as a pitcher, Musachio points to Koons’ “outstanding” breaking ball pitches, a fastball in the upper 80s and his ability to throw strikes. But according to Musachio, Koons brings qualities to the table that go beyond what he delivers on the mound.

“He’s a happy-go-lucky guy,” Musachio said. “He works hard when it’s time to work hard. He likes to have fun. He’s very unselfish. He’s always hanging around the field. He’s always trying to help teammates. He’s a joy to coach.”

Koons said the transition into play ing for the Grizzlies has been easy.

“The team has a great group of guys,” Koons said. “It’s like a bunch of brothers. We hang out together on and off the field. We’re always hanging out.”

Leading by example

Musachio said while the Golden Grizzlies boast a team full of leaders and each player does so in their own way. Some are quieter than others and some are more vocal.

“Tim leads by example with how hard he works and how he competes on the field with poise and with confidence,” Musachio said. “Part of the responsibility of the older guys is to teach and guide the underclassmen and he does a great job with that.”

As Koons’ career with the Grizzlies takes off, Musachio is confident in his future.

“Each outing that Tim has, he’s going to get a little better with that experience,” Musachio said. “I think after his senior year, he’s going to turn some heads and possibly compete at the next level.”

Oakland’s first home game of the season is scheduled for Wednesday, April 3 against Olivet College.

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Contact Sports Editor Lindsay Beaver via email at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @lindsaybeavs