College signings

St. Bede senior Jim Polster signs to play baseball for Rock ford College, witnessed by his parents Jim and Maureen and St. Bede athletic director (back row, from left), Rockford coach Bob Koopman, and SBA principal Michelle Mershon and coach John Bellino.

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SPRING VALLEY — St. Bede senior Jim Polster achieved one of his goals last week when he announced he was going to continue his education and baseball career at Rockford College for head coach Bob Koopman.

Polster batted .326 with 12 stolen bases last year for the Bruins and looks to improve on that as the season gets underway.

“Playing in college is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Polster said. “I know coach Koopman because he coached around here, and when I went to visit, I just liked the place and wanted to play there.”

Many fans might remember Koopman. He coached baseball at IVCC for several years. Besides wanting to play for Koopman, there was one other factor that made the decision easy for Polster.

“It looks like I’m going to get a chance to come right in and play as a freshman,” Polster said. “That was another factor in my decision.”

Koopman was extremely excited to land the Bruins shortstop for his Rockford squad.

“I absolutely love Jimmy’s speed,” Koopman said. “I really build my teams based on speed. I think Jimmy can come in and start for us next year. I’m not sure if it will be at shortstop or somewhere else, but most likely he will play right away.”

St. Bede coach John Bellino said his senior shortstop has really progressed at St. Bede.

“You know, Jimmy’s biggest asset is his determination,” Bellino said. “He has a great desire to play and works hard. I know he wanted to play football, but I think he realized there were some limitations. If he continues to work hard like he has here, then he’ll do well at Rockford.”