WINSTED >> For the first time in Northwestern’s history two athletes from the same sport are continuing their athletic careers on the Division I level.
Baseball players Zach Risedorf and John Lippincott made their decisions official by signing their national letter of intents on Wednesday afternoon in the Northwestern media room in front of family and administration.
Northwestern’s John Lippincott (left) and Zach Risedorf (right) signed their National Letters of Intent in the Northwestern Regional School No. 7 media room onWednesday. Lippincott will play at Central Connecticut State University and Risedorf will play at UConn next season.
Pete Paguaga – Register Citizen
“It’s outstanding, first time in school history, two players on same team are going Division I,” said Northwestern baseball co-head coach, Tom Germano. “I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Both players will stay in the state to continue their careers with Risedorf set to play for UConn and Lippincott headed to Central Connecticut State University.
“I didn’t want to go too far, I can go home whenever I need to,” said Lippincott. “My parents want to come to my games too.”
They were also happy to share the day with each other.
“I wouldn’t want it any other way, signing next to my best friend here,” said Lippincott.
Risedorf announced his decision to go to UConn during the summer, but he is happy to finally make it official and just concentrate on finishing his senior year of high school.
“It’s incredibly exciting, it’s a relieving feeling completely relieving,” said Risedorf.
Lippincott, a third baseman, made the decision to go to CCSU over the summer but didn’t announce until a few days prior to him officially signing.
“I made my decision back in the summer, I took a visit and I loved the atmosphere of the campus,” he said.
Neither Risedorf or Lippincott know what the schools plans will be right away for them, but they know one thing that they will have to do.
“Work hard,” said Lippincott. “Always have to work hard wherever they need me.”
“They told me I have a possibly to play, but I will have to work hard for it,” said Risedorf. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Last season, both Risedorf and Lippincott played a big role in the Highlanders’ success last season, where they reached the Class M finals and lost to St. Joseph’s 2-1 in nine innings, and they are excited to get back on the diamond.
“I’m excited for the season,” said Risedorf, who is the starting catcher for the Highlanders. “We have some holes to fill but we are going to work hard like we did last year.”
Having two Division I batters in the same lineup is a luxury that every team in the Berkshire League won’t have this season and it’s something that Germano is excited for.
“What can be better than that?” asked Germano. “It’s something you dream about.”
