TicketsFeb. 20, 2007
by Elise Helene Keeler, UC Sports Communications Student Assistant
Wherever A.J. Upton has gone, there has been success. The Cincinnati native graduated from St. Xavier high school in 2003, where he helped his team to a state championship as a senior. A.J. also helped St. Xavier in basketball, football, and soccer. It isn't a surprise that AJ came to the University of Cincinnati with hopes of a future on the field.
The decision to become a Bearcat was probably one of the easiest choices that A.J. has ever made. "I grew up here, and I know everyone in Cincinnati. I've been here my whole life, I couldn't imagine going to school without my parents 20 minutes away where I can run home for a Sunday night dinner."
Not only that, A.J. knew he was getting himself into a good situation. "It was the smartest choice financially, scholastically, and I had a chance to play baseball."
Once coming onto campus, he knew he had made the right choice. "The new stuff was being built, and there were a lot of plans for the future. It was the perfect timing for me." The plans for the future included a new stadium for the baseball team and Varsity Village that would help not only the baseball team but athletics as a whole.
His role on the team has changed since his freshman year, when he walked onto the team. In the last two years he has become an ace reliever and bullpen closer for the team. "I've worked hard to get where I am, and it is rewarding to have some results that show I've been doing what I need to do."
This season is full of expectations for the Bearcats, and A.J. hopes they can improve on their success from last year. "Last year was our first year in the league and we got to the conference tournament. We have a great opportunity to compete and win the BIG EAST." A.J. has done what he needs to do to get his team to that point. "I've worked hard all off season to get my arm ready to pitch as long as I can late in the game."
A.J., who still has two years of eligibility left, would like to keep playing baseball after he graduates, "If that doesn't work out, I have a degree in finance and commercial real estate. I'd love to coach too. Anything I can do to stay in baseball."
A.J.'s family has had a huge influence on his life. His decision to come to Cincinnati came so easily because he comes from a family of Bearcats. His parents graduated from UC, his mom works at UC, and his younger sister Lindsay will play volleyball in the fall. "Not many programs in the nation have siblings in different sports. Being a Cincinnati family, and having two kids playing sports at Cincinnati, says a lot for our family. I'm excited for her to be here... as long as the baseball players don't talk to her."
But the biggest influence on his life comes from his father. "He loves being in athletics; we talk all the time about what I can do and what the team needs to do. We take that and incorporate it in how I approach things here."
His relationship with his dad goes beyond how he performs on the field. "He's always wanted me to do well in school, be a good student, get good jobs, and never settle for anything. He's my biggest influence on working hard and getting things done."
Hopefully, A.J. and the rest of his teammates can get things done on the field this season as the Bearcats try and win a BIG EAST Championship.