Spring athletes were anxiously waiting for the snow to melt last week so they could get onto the fields for practice and Clarkston High School senior Joe Popp was no different.
Popp is getting ready for his final season with Clarkston Varsity Baseball as the Wolves set their sights making it to the state finals after ending last season in the MHSAA Division 1 Baseball Semifinals.
‘We definitely want to make it back to Michigan State University because we feel there were a lot of things that happened in that game which could have gone our way,? Popp said. ‘We still feel like we can hang with anybody.?
His personal goals for the spring include being a solid hitter and a solid catcher as he steps into the position for the team.
‘Our current catcher is now a pitcher since he was recruited to be one,? Popp added. ‘Coach asked me to catch and I haven’t caught in a while. My personal goal is to be a solid catcher the team can rely on and need.?
When the season is over he will continue playing baseball and will be an outfielder at Colorado School of Mines, which he signed his letter of intent on Feb. 2.
While choosing a college he also had to decide which sport he wanted to continue on the next level since he played football, hockey and baseball.
‘I was so blessed to be able to play football and so blessed to have the teammates I had and the success,? he said.
‘I feel like I had a love for baseball,? Popp added. ‘For baseball I had the tools, I had the skills and I had the love for it. It was a real hard decision because I was either going to play baseball at Mines or football at Michigan Technological University which were two of the best options I could think of. I was so blessed to have those options. It was a hard decision to make.?
Two factors which helped him decide was family and Colorado School of Mines had the field he wanted to study.
‘I want to be an engineer, and I want to get a degree in mechanical engineering and a minor in energy. There is a special program at Mines only offers,? Popp said. ‘It’s perfect. Their slogan is energy, environment and engineering – which are the three things I want to study. It is the perfect fit for me. Everything worked out perfectly for Colorado.?
Popp just finished his fourth season playing defense for Clarkston Hockey which he made Academic All-State for his season.
“He improved every year and instrumentally brought energy to the team,” said Bryan Krygier, head coach of Clarkston Hockey. “He is an excellent academic student. You couldn’t ask for a better person on and off of the ice to be part of the Clarkston Hockey program. He is a class act when it comes to hockey.”
Hockey was the first sport Popp began to play and has been playing competitive hockey for 13 years and skating for 15 years.
‘Hockey has always been a need in my life,? he said. ‘I love playing hockey.?
He picked up a baseball bat for the first time when he was 4-years-old and began playing with recreation leagues at the age of six. He joined his first competitive baseball team three years later and stuck with it since.
Popp began playing football in sixth grade and together with his teammates won the back-to-back Division 1 Football State Championship in 2013 and 2014 for Clarkston Varsity Football.
Though each sport is different in their own right – all three compliment each other in athleticism.
‘With baseball everything is mental and it keeps you at a level headed state of mind,? Popp said. ‘You have to be calm in the moment and it transitions to football, which is bigger than itself. Through football you get your agility, your quickness and it transitions into hockey which is quick decision making.?
He added the quick decision making helps on the baseball field because players have to think on their feet.
‘They all blend together,? Popp said. ‘It has worked out for me. You can see a lot of double sport athletes and their other sports coming into the one they are currently playing.?
Clarkston Athletics has also taught him through his years of success in all three sports and earning 10 varsity letters.
‘Clarkston Athletics has taught me you are playing for your community and the name across your chest,? he said.
‘It has really taught me to work for something bigger than yourself, work with your friends, work with your peers and work along aside each other for one goal ? the team goal. Clarkston, in my opinion, is the best high school and the best place to be because we are home-grown kids and we all remember playing little league together. You have an emotional tie to everyone on the team.?
When he isn’t playing sports he is enjoying the outdoors and likes to go hunting, fishing and hiking.
‘My grandpa has a cabin in the Upper Peninsula and my dad is from the Upper Peninsula. The UP is like a second home to me,? he said. ‘I love being outside and being out in nature.?
His advice to aspiring athletes is, ‘be thankful for the opportunity that God has given you. Thank your parents and your supporters. Stay positive and be the best you can be. Enjoy this time of your life.?
Popp added he feels blessed to be given the ability to do the things he has done with his athleticism.
‘I want to say thank you to all the people who support me,? he said. ‘Go Wolves!?