The Region's Team Of Northwest Indiana

Whiting, Ind. – Dec. 18, 2014 – For the second consecutive year, a former Munster star will be a key piece of the Northwest Indiana Oilmen lineup in 2015.

The team has announced the addition of Northern Illinois freshman Joe Jumonville, who will become the sixth Munster graduate to play for the Oilmen. After high school teammate Craig Dedelow put together an All-Star season in 2014, Jumonville will look to do the same this summer.

“I know (former Oilmen) Jason Gasser and Craig Dedelow pretty well,” Jumonville said. “They said it was nice to play with good competition; and being close to home helps out a lot.”

Jumonville’s name is a familiar one to Northwest Indiana sports fans not only for what he has accomplished on the baseball diamond, but also for his prowess on the football field. He did not play football in any of his first three years of high school, but became the Mustangs starting quarterback in his first year on the team. He owns the school record with a 99-yard touchdown run.

When Northern Illinois assistant coach Todd Coryell traveled to Munster to scout Jumonville, the coach witnessed a moment that sums up his toughness. Jumonville took a nasty foul ball off his foot, and then launched a home run on the next pitch.

“The next day his dad called me and said, ‘Yeah, his foot’s broken in three spots,’” Coryell said. “He’s a really competitive, tough kid that is going to have a really good college career.”

Although Jumonville played mostly outfield in high school, Coryell has been impressed with his catching ability. Coryell raved about his success in handling a pitching staff.

“He’s a really good receiver,” he said. “He has an understanding of calling the game. Blocking is more of a mentality than a technique. He’s a kid that’s not going to let anything get past him.”

Jumonville started his high school career with two years at St. Rita, before transferring to Munster, where he became an All-Northwest Crossroads Conference selection. He posted a batting average of over .400 during his two seasons with the Mustangs. His favorite baseball memories were playing in the sectional championship games his junior and senior years at Munster.

Ed Mathey’s sudden decision to resign as NIU head coach last month came as a surprise to Jumonville, but he’s taking it all in stride.

“He has to do what’s best for him,” Jumonville said. “My teammates and I are sticking together. We had no idea this was going to happen, but we’ll stick together and wait and see what happens with a new coach.”