Athlete of the Week: Jace Gillmore helps carry Whitney High baseball to section title game

For the second consecutive season, the Whitney High baseball team will compete for a section championship following a 9-5 win over St. Mary's High last Thursday. The Wildcats won the first game of the series on May 15 behind a strong performance on the mound by senior Jace Gillmore, who earned the win. Gillmore pitched a complete game with four strikeouts. In the final two games of the series, Gillmore went four for six at the plate, including a home run in the deciding game last Thursday. Gillmore has a 2.20 earned run average on the season with a 7-1 record and 49 strikeouts. Gillmore is committed to Santa Clara University. Gold Country Media asked Gillmore some questions and his answers follow. What is the best part about playing baseball at Whitney High? Gillmore: "The brotherhood we've created and all the friends I've made. Everything about this team is amazing. We're all best friends and hang out outside of school." How long have you been playing baseball competitively and who/what is your biggest motivation? Gillmore: "I've been playing since I was about 5 years old and my biggest motivation is my dad and making him proud." Have any other family members been involved with sports? Gillmore: "My dad played basketball and my mom played softball." You got the win on the mound for game one and then went four for six in the final two games, including a home run in game three. What do you feel contributed to your success at the plate and on the mound last week? Gillmore: "I've always tried to help my team as much as possible. I just try to get up there and compete and give my best at-bats to help my team win." How exciting is it to get the opportunity to go back-to-back as a section champion to end your high school career? Gillmore: "It's going to be super fun; that environment is really fun. Franklin is going to be a tough opponent but we know what we have to do and we've been there before, so I feel that's an advantage we have on them." Have you ever been involved in other sports? Gillmore: "I've played basketball but not too competitively." Do you have a favorite professional athlete? If so, who and why? Gillmore: "When I was younger, I used to watch Justin Verlander and based my mechanics off of his." What has been your favorite class in school and why? Gillmore: "I'd say probably the math class I'm in right now because it's taught by one of our coaches and it's a fun class. I have some friends in there as well." What are you most looking forward to when it comes to playing college baseball at Santa Clara University and what do you plan on majoring in? Gillmore: "I plan on majoring in business. I look forward to going into college with a support system and competing at the next level." Who is your favorite musical artist/band? Gillmore: "I'm a country fan so Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen and Riley Green." Favorite restaurant and favorite food? Gillmore: "Mikuni and sushi." Outside of school and playing baseball, what do you like to do in your free time? Gillmore: "Recently, we've been fishing a lot as a team." Is there a particular job you'd like to have someday? Gillmore: "Probably just work in sales because that's what my dad does and he seems to have a good career." If you had a piece of advice for other local athletes, what would you tell them? Gillmore: "It's going to be a grind and nobody said the path was going to be easy but you have to keep your head down and grind. That's the key to success is to keep competing."