Krol to head for Arizona

Krol

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If Ian Krol needed a sign to help him choose where to play college baseball next year, he got it in the form of a mascot.

Krol, a senior for the Neuqua Valley Wildcats, narrowed his choice to the Arizona Wildcats and Kentucky Wildcats.

It should also be known that Krol's dad, Bob, teaches at Washington Junior High School - home of the Wildcats.

"It's just kind of ironic," Krol said. "It's not a problem. Wildcats are pretty (awesome) if you ask me."

In the end, Krol chose Arizona for reasons like good climate, facilities, players and especially coaching.

Krol, an All-American left-handed pitcher and the reigning Sun Player of the Year, cited coach Andy Lopez's ability to evolve major-league draft picks out of high school into even higher draft picks out of college.

"His track record - he's done that with so many guys," said Krol, a draft prospect himself.

According to the Wildcats' Web site - that is, the Arizona Wildcats Web site - 89 players coached by Lopez have signed professional contracts. In his first six years, two players have been selected in the first round of the MLB draft and 28 overall.

Krol didn't receive a full scholarship, because they're not offered for baseball at Arizona. He did receive more compensation than what Kentucky offered, but that was never a factor in his decision.

With the joy of accepting Lopez's offer came the sadness of turning down Kentucky assistant coach Brad Bohannon, who had visited the Krols multiple times in Naperville.

"It was really tough to call that coach (and tell him) that I was going to Arizona, because my relationship with that coach is really strong," said Krol, who committed on Tuesday.

Last year, Krol (9-1, 0.98 ERA) led the Wildcats to their second straight state tournament series appearance.