Lavaca Alumni Profile – Janson Graves

Janson Graves is a 2017 graduate of Lavaca High School. While at LHS, Janson showed off his athletic abilities lettering in three sports: Football, Basketball, and Baseball. After graduating, he went on the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, where he is majoring in Mathematics. Janson plans to gain his teaching and coaching credentials and coach high school sports. Specifically, he would like to coach Baseball and Football.
Janson did not play any college sports his freshman year and had pretty well conceded that his athletic career as a player had come to an end, but that’s not how this story ends. Janson has always had a work ethic that was unequaled and that did not end just because he was no longer playing. One day, while working out in the gym, Janson met a guy named Easton Stalling. Easton was a pitcher for the UAFS Lions. As they got to know each other, Easton asked Janson to go to the field and throw with him, of course Jason complied. That’s when opportunity struck. The UAFS pitching coach saw him throw and invited him to start working out with the team.
It is hard for players from small 2A schools like Lavaca to be seen by college coaches, and many do slip through the cracks. Players from small schools have to be ready to recognize opportunities when they arise. It is not a surprise, to those that know him, that Janson is able to continue to play the game he loves. He has never met a stranger, as he continually creates networks, and he has never been out worked. Both of these attributes help him answer the bell when opportunity comes calling.  These characteristics, along with many others, will bring him much success, both on the mound and in life.
Greg Pair, Janson’s former high school coach, had this to say about him, “Janson Graves is the most mentally tough young man I have ever been around. You will not beat him because he refuses to lose. Heck of a player and an even better man. Blessed to have coached him.”
We at R22 News would like to congratulate Janson and wish him all the best as he continues to play baseball. Good luck in the coming season and Go Lions! Be on the look out for other Arrow Alumni profiles, as well as updates on Janson’s upcoming season.