Johnson Baseball's Mark Wilson Signs Letter of Intent with St. Peter's College

Athletic Director Gus Kalikas pointed to Mark Wilson's first game on the mound as a varsity player as the harbinger of good things to come: Wilson pitched a no hitter – and he was only a sophomore.

Two seasons later on Thursday, May 5, Wilson's parents, sister Cindi (a junior at Johnson), Johnson baseball coach Dave Kennedy, Kalikas and others came to celebrate Wilson, now a senior, signing a letter of intent with St. Peter's College in Jersey City, a Division 1 school. 

"The best part of that no hitter was that he was able to be composed and perform even in the first game and even as a sophomore," said Coach Kennedy. "I thought he definitely had a chance to be a Division 1 player and his first varsity season confirmed that. Mark is hardworking, dedicated and very coachable. St Peter's is not only getting a good player, but a really good person in this deal." 

 for the second week in April after Other highlights from this season include Wilson's pitching, with nine strikeouts, in the 5-2. In the , Wilson racked up 11 strikeouts, securing an 11-2 Johnson victory. In addition to Wilson's pitching, he also contributes offensively, knocking out several game-changing home-runs this season. 

"I love getting out there and trying to prove I'm better," said Wilson. "I'm not that guy that throws 95, but I'm good at hitting spots."

In addition to receiving a scholarship to play baseball at St. Peter's, Wilson's work in the classroom was equally important: He received the Dean's Scholarship with Magis, the second highest academic scholarship offered at St. Peter's. His current GPA is a stellar 3.7, he's made the honor roll every marking period and takes all honors and AP classes. 

"It's exciting," said Wilson's father Gene. "We had a feeling he could be this good when he was young." 

Wilson's mother Joyce agrees. "He could always throw with accuracy," she said. "He once threw a tennis ball between the spindles of the stairwell at home. We're grateful to all his coaches throughout the years, for all the support he's received at ALJ. And it was Dave Kennedy who really made the move to bring him up and start him pitching for the varsity team as a sophomore."

Wilson says his decision came down to St. Peter's and Rhode Island. "St. Peter's fit perfectly," said Wilson. "I loved the campus. I knew I was going to play. I felt very comfortable and at home when I visited there."

The recruiting process began when Wilson got a phone call from St. Peter's out of the blue. "They said they had heard good things and wanted to see if I was interested," said Wilson. The Wilsons sent over a video of Mark throwing, he visited the school, and the rest is history. "It's great to know that people want you at the Division 1 level," said Wilson. He's undecided as to what he'll study, but is leaning towards either business or criminal justice.

As far as the transition from high-school ball to college, Wilson is looking forward to the challenge. "You're taking all the great players from high school and now you have to play against them. I think I've been well-prepared here, but I will miss playing with all the kids I grew up with."