Montezuma-Cortez senior Jaris McDonald, joined his family and baseball coaches, officially signs his commitment to play baseball for Ottawa University (Arizona) after he graduates this spring. Ben Bradley/Special to The Journal
Panthers senior standout commits to take to the diamond at Arizona college
CORTEZ – When Montezuma-Cortez senior Jaris McDonald contacted his future coaches at Ottawa University in Arizona, he received a key piece of advice: “Keep hitting until you can’t.”
It’s a mantra that has guided him since he first picked up a bat at age 3.
The Panthers’ first baseman and pitcher enters his final semester knowing his playing days won’t end with the last out of the M-CHS season. Next fall, McDonald will take his versatile game to Surprise, Arizona, to join the OUAZ Spirit.
McDonald has been a cornerstone of a strong three-year run for M-CHS, which included Intermountain League titles and multiple Class 3A state tournament appearances. The Panthers aim for another big season under head coach Jake Huff, whom McDonald credits as pivotal in his development.
“Coach Huff was my coach when I started playing – he’s always been in my corner,” said McDonald. “And coach Zane Kuenzler helped me work on my pitching to help me get to a level that could help me get recruited.”
“I knew I’d have a place, and my coaches helped me find that place,” added McDonald.
McDonald became a lineup staple as a sophomore and has hit .357 for his varsity career. He also increased his workload on the mound, averaging a strikeout per inning during a breakout junior year.
He joins the OUAZ program, which competes in the Great Southwestern Athletic Conference in the NAIA. The Spirit have become a rising power and a threat to reach the NAIA national tournament.
Montezuma-Cortez senior Jaris McDonald (seated) joins his teammates and coaches after signing to play baseball for Ottawa University (Arizona) after he graduates this spring. Ben Bradley/Special to The Journal
“The coaches reached out to me last spring, and they invited me to play with their recruit team this past summer,” said McDonald of his first steps getting connected with OUAZ before receiving his offer earlier this fall. “I like that Surprise has a small-town feel to it, and I’ll be able to play baseball all year-round.”
McDonald plans to keep his options open between field and mound.
“I’m planning on playing first base and hitting, but if that goes by the wayside, I’ll work on my pitching,” said McDonald.
McDonald also played basketball and rode competitively for High Desert DEVO and the Montezuma Composite cycling team, but baseball was always his top sport.
“All of those other sports helped me get where I need to be, but ever since I picked up a baseball, it’s been my passion,” said McDonald.
For now, he has one more season with his teammates and coaches and plenty of excitement for what could be another special year for the orange and black.
“I’m just wanting to go out and have fun this year,” said McDonald. “We want to win a state championship this year – my teammates and I have all been pushing each other – and I’m going to work hard to do my part in getting us there.”
