On Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, Quakertown seniors Justin Guidos and JJ Paul were recognized for committing to continue their baseball careers at the collegiate level. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery.
Justin Guidos – East Stroudsburg University (Baseball)
Major: Business
Final list of colleges: East Stroudsburg, Kutztown, West Chester, Lock Haven, Penn State
Reasons for choosing East Stroudsburg: “I decided on East Stroudsburg because they were just a great fit. The coaching staff is amazing. I wanted to be somewhat close to home because my brother is up at Mansfield, and he says that he loves the whole college experience – he just wishes he was closer to home, so I learned from that. I was looking for the PSAC because it’s a really great league in Division II. I also wanted to be able to play my brother, which is something I’m looking forward to.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “Ever since I was young, I always wanted to play at a higher level. Once high school hit, that’s when I knew I’m going to make my dream come true and play in college.”
Coach Jon Pallone says: “Justin has dreamed of being a collegiate baseball player since before I met him as a sixth grader. I had the pleasure of being his sixth grade teacher, and he had the same passion then as he does now to continue playing baseball at the next level. As Justin’s teacher and coach, it has been fun to watch him grow as a student and a player. Last season, Justin burst into the Suburban One League as one of the most dominant pitchers. Justin started our first home playoff game in over a decade and pitched very well against a talented Downingtown East team. He also forced himself into the lineup and played left field, a position he had not played in our organization before last spring. This year in the offseason, he’s stepping into a role as a leader whose focus is on winning the league. It is fitting that East Stroudsburg’s mascot is a Warrior because that is exactly how I describe him on the baseball field. I am very proud to see that Justin will continue his career in the PSAC against his brother.”
About Justin:
Favorite food: Wings
Favorite movie: The Benchwarmers
Favorite music: Rap, Country & 80s/90s
JJ Paul – DeSales University (Baseball)
Major: TV Film
Final list of colleges: DeSales, Millersville, Lackawanna
Reasons for choosing DeSales: “I decided on DeSales because I’ve been going to their campus for baseball camps since eighth grade, so the past four years, and every year I always feel like I’m at home when I’m there. When I took my campus tour, everyone seemed so nice. It just seemed like a place I wanted to be.”
What was the progression that led you to continuing your baseball career at the collegiate level? “I’ve always had the dream of playing in college and at the next level since I was 12, and ever since, it motivated me. When I finally got the chance, I knew it’s what I wanted to do.”
Coach Jon Pallone says: “JJ is going off to my alma mater, DeSales. He is a left-handed pitcher and first baseman but will likely focus on pitching in college. As a pitcher, DeSales is getting a tall lefty who can throw the ball hard with good run to it. Last year, JJ was a key contributor on our jayvee team on the mound and at the plate. The team went 18-1 and was one of the most successful jayvee teams in Quakertown history. This year, as our team looks to reload from a very deep varsity team last year, JJ is looking to earn some innings on the mound and may be a key bat in the lineup. In the classroom, I have the pleasure of teaching JJ. He is a great student who works hard and is always polite. I am happy to see JJ commit to DeSales University, and I look forward to watching his continued success. I look forward to him contributing to the team this season.”
About JJ:
Favorite food: Bagel Bites
Favorite movie: The Benchwarmers
Favorite music: Country
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