Heath Groves is a sophomore on the baseball team at Judson University.  He is from Indianapolis, Indiana, and is a starting pitcher for the Eagles. 

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By Leslie Talley

Judson Sports Information Student Assistant

Heath Groves, an Indiana native and junior transfer from Olivet Nazarene, is a longtime baseball player. He loves the game's competitive atmosphere: "Being able to be around people who are as enthusiastic as I am about the game [is great]," Groves states. Working up from family waffle ball as a child, Heath transitioned into his baseball career at age 5.

The support of his family has been the propeller for Groves. "I enjoyed playing and wanted something to do, so my parents signed me up. I have been playing ever since," he comments. In addition to baseball, Heath has invested time in other sports up until 7^th grade, including soccer, football, and basketball. As a senior in high school, Groves tells that he finished the baseball season with a 10-2 record and led the state of Indiana in wins. He also led his team to the county and sectional titles - "The first for our school in over fifteen years," adds Groves.

After playing for two years at Olivet Nazarene, Groves transferred to Judson University. Now at Judson, Heath hopes to further advance his talent in baseball. "I came to Judson to have the chance to continue my education and baseball career at a small Christian university," Groves begins. "Coach Benjamin also had a big part in my decision to come to Judson, having pitched under him for one year while he was the assistant coach at Olivet," he states. "He was everything I was looking for in a head coach, and knew that playing for him was what I wanted to do."

Some challenges Heath Groves foresees include recovery from knee surgery as well as the blending of a virtually new team. "Getting back into physical and mental shape is going to be tough," Groves admits, "and I think having twenty new players on the team this year is going to be an experience. Most of us have not played together before." There is one other player on the team who Heath has had experience playing ball with. His brother, Hunter, is a freshman on the team this year, which helps make the transition easier for both.

Being organized is a discipline Heath states he had to learn as a freshman. After a tough first year at Olivet trying to balance baseball and academics, he mentions that he realizes it's all been a learning process. "I have learned that if you get ahead early before you get into the season then you will have no problem managing it," Groves relays. This lesson has been reinforced at Judson University, as Groves admits that the course loads have taken some getting used to.

On Judson University campus, Heath greatly appreciates the FCA program: "There was no FCA at my high school or at Olivet," he reveals. Groves also loves the aspect of meeting new people on campus and hanging out with newly-made friends. "When I am not in class I love to go hunting and fishing," he mentions. " I also enjoy watching the Butler University Bulldogs play basketball and the Arizona Diamondbacks for baseball," Groves includes.

Heath's walk has been nurtured by a strong Christian family, whose roots run deep in the faith. With both a grandfather and uncle as Presbyterian ministers, Groves learned the importance of a relationship with Jesus. "It has not been an easy road though," he shares. "I have gone through my rebellion and realized that without Jesus in my life, I am nothing."

In regards to role models, Groves has three: "The first is my grandfather, Reverend James T. Wheeler. As soon as I was born he began to take care of me while my parents would work, and taught me a great deal about life and the importance of having a relationship with Jesus Christ," Heath reminisces. He continues, "The other two role models I have are my parents. They have taught me everything I know and have showed me that if you want something in life you have to work hard to achieve it."

With such a strong faith, support system, and work ethic, Heath Groves is sure to succeed in his endeavors at Judson, including baseball.