Senior shortstop, center fielder and pitcher Jason Wilkett keeps his approach simple: do the work, do your job and let the results follow.
“Make it passed regionals this year is the team’s goal,” Wilkett said.
He said the Diggers are already building toward that standard, even as they wait to get their full roster together. “Pretty good but will be better when we have all of our teammates after basketball season is over,” he said of the team’s morale.
On the field, Wilkett has noticed a key shift that he believes will matter in close games. “Better mentality,” he said, describing the biggest improvement he has seen from the group so far.
The checklist for this spring starts with everyday work. “Winning games and preparing for playoffs,” Wilkett said of the team’s goals and how they plan to reach them.
He pointed to two areas that give Wilburton a strong foundation. “Pitching and batting,” he said, when asked about the team’s biggest strengths.
Wilkett’s versatility makes him a valuable piece wherever he is needed. “Shortstop, centerfield and pitcher (wherever coach J tells me to),” he said.
At the plate, he keeps his reads straightforward. “The gaps,” Wilkett said of what he looks for when reading a defense.
His preparation for high-demand games starts well before first pitch. “Get good rest, eating good and drinking a lot of water,” he said.
Once he steps between the lines, his mentality balances effort and enjoyment. “Give it my all and have fun,” Wilkett said.
Looking ahead, he wants his time at Wilburton to stand for something bigger than numbers alone. “Putting the work in pays off; nothing flashy, just do your job and great things will come,” he said of the legacy he hopes to leave.
Pregame, music helps him lock in. “Monster by Skillet,” Wilkett said of his go-to hype song.
One swing still stands out above the rest. “My first high school home run,” he said, recalling his favorite memory in a Wilburton uniform.
Wilkett’s stats and involvement speaks for themselves: “batting average .420, OBP .535, OPS 1.154, slugging .618, hits 31, home runs 2, RBI 28, runs 24, stolen bases 16. I participate in baseball and football RB 2026, all-star by class.”
