Poland’s O’Shaughnessy, Rapp sign letters of intent

By BOB ETTINGER

sports@vindy.com

POLAND

Poland seniors Alex Rapp and Braeden O’Shaughnessy may not have a sport in common, but the duo shared the dream of competing in their respective sports on the collegiate level. On Wednesday, the pair realized those dreams in signing their National letters of intent.

O’Shaughnessy, the son of Kathy and Mike O’Shaughnessy, will play baseball while attending Youngstown State University.

“It’s always been my goal to play Division I baseball,” O’Shaughnessy said. “I’ve always believed it was possible. My brother, Padraig (who plays at Mercyhurst Northeast), and I were always out in the backyard working on baseball. It’s a dream come true.”

Rapp, the son of Lisa and Eric Rapp, will attend Notre Dame College in South Euclid where he will play golf.

“It’s definitely something I’ve aimed for since I first picked up the clubs (at 6 or 7 years old),” Rapp said. “Obviously, I was too young (to think it could true), but the more I played, the more it became my dream. It’s cool for it to become a reality.”

Rapp was steered toward Notre Dame by a friend.

“My friend’s father gave my name to the coach and told me to go check it out,” Rapp said. “I had checked out a lot of colleges at that point. I really liked it. I loved the coach and the team. Notre Dame became my favorite after that and I finally committed.”

Youngstown State was on O’Shaughnessy’s radar from the very beginning of the process.

“YSU, honestly, was the first to contact me about playing college-level baseball,” O’Shaughnessy said. “I love the campus. The coaches were so loving. He was always calling and checking in. The coach (Dan Bertolini) is also from Poland (2004 graduate), so that helped. It was just a big family.”

Both Rapp and O’Shaughnessy are undecided in their majors, but O’Shaughnessy is thinking about a career in engineering or business.

Rapp has competed in the state golf tournament and the Vindicator’s Greatest Golfer while O’Shaughnessy was a middle infielder and third baseman for Baird Brothers as it won the NABF World Series.

O’Shaughnessy is grateful for his family and coaches, who helped him achieve his goals.

“I want to thank, of course, my family,” O’Shaughnessy said. “I was in the backyard hitting with my brother. My dad hit us grounders all the time. The stuff leading up to the season is what gets me ready for it. All of my coaches – Rich Murray, Ryan Gesacion, Brett Pitzulo and Ken Grisdale – the guy I work out with, Chad Nasci, and all of my summer coaches.”

Rapp credits his family, friends and coaches for helping him along the way.

“My father started me in the game,” Rapp said. “He’s supported me since and been my caddy in the Greatest Golfer. My mother has always been my biggest supporter and my sister, Alyssa, supports me, too. My friends, Jake Snyder and Jimmy Graham challenge me and make me a better player. My personal swing coach, Joe Allen has helped me a lot with my mental game. He’s really pushed me. Dave DiGiacomo, my school coach, has really helped me in my mental game, as well.”