Extra: Shortstop Kevin Goergen Ignites Lemont with Bat, Glove.

Senior Kevin Goergen is playing his third year as varsity shortstop for the Lemont Indians.

Along with his defensive skills, Goergen carries a strong swagger at the plate where he has batted an outstanding.500 in 19 games this season.

“He’s going to be very hard to replace,” said head coach Joe Rodeghero. “He’s a great player on both sides. Like [Lemont pitcher Josh] Ferry, [Goergen] knows how to play the game. His actions on the field show that he has great instincts. He’ll be ready for the next level.”

 Goergen signed earlier this year to play at Michigan State where he plans on majoring in business. With many colleges looking in his direction, why did Goergen choose Michigan State?

“It just felt right,” Goergen said. “I had the opportunity to play right away. Something just felt right when I went on to campus. After I met the coaching staff, I knew I wanted to go there.”

Since Goergen jumped to the Lemont varsity in his sophomore year, he has hit .428 and has led the Indians in doubles and walks the last two seasons.

“I’m sort of a quiet guy,” Goergen said. “I have to lead like the seniors did before me. The bar is set kind of high. Josh [Ferry] and I do what we can to show the underclassman. And [the underclassmen] don’t get that much playing time, but they’re real supportive.”

Goergen not only has the seniors to thank for the experience he gained in the past three seasons. His older brother Kyle, 21, also played for the Indians. Although Kyle’s pitching days are over, he has found success as he attends Illinois State University.

Goergen has been elected twice to the South Suburban All-Conference team, and Rodeghero believes his senior will have a strong chance in making the All-State team as well.

“He really knows how to make quick adjustments on the field,” Rodeghero said. “The way he plays choppers off the infield grass, I’ve only seen one other player that get balls like him. And he was at Joliet Catholic and he was drafted by the Red Sox as their first pick.  [Goergen] is still getting better.”

Goergen and Lemont’s main focus at hand is to keep their eight-game winning streak alive. Lemont travels to T.F. South on Friday to finish its series after the Indians recorded a 3-2 victory Wednesday.

“We just need to stay calm under pressure,” Goergen said after Lemont's 3-1 win against Shepard on Thursday. “It also comes down to the ‘D’. Our speed on the base path has been really great this season. Some games we’ve won just by our speed base running.”

“Since the pitching has picked up and we keep the bats going, I think we’ll be all right by the end of the season.”