Ashley Feldman

Sophomore Joey Cortese making a pitch on Feb. 18, 2026 in a game against Prairie State College.

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Ashley Feldman

The men's baseball team react during their opening game, a 6-5 lost against Prairie State. They travel to Texas for six games over Spring Break.

Joliet Junior College’s men’s baseball team is preparing to head south for their annual trip to Tyler, Texas. It has been a tradition at this point for JJC to go out of state, and with four games in Texas and two others in OK, the Wolves, who are 3-4, look to make this a good trip.

Sophomore roommate’s catcher Max Miller and outfielder Paul Feret is among the 43 players going on this trip, and both are excited to go to Texas and beyond.

“I’m really excited. You know, it’s going to be some good competition we got going out there,” Miller said.

“We stay focused, we stay present, and we stay confident. I think we can win, you know? It’s a little bit of a tough schedule, but that’s why we’re going.”

“I’m excited to just be with the guys, to be honest. We’re taking a bus this year; last year, they took a plane,” Feret said. “It’s going to be a little more rowdy. But I’m mostly looking forward to hanging out with the guys.”

During this trip, the Wolves will play some of the best teams not only in Texas but in the country as well. Despite what may seem to be a difficult trip, Miller and Feret remain confident that they can do well.

“Panola, we play them. They’re in the top 20 right now for Juco in the country. Last time I checked,” Miller said.

Navarro is another really good one. I’m pretty sure they’re division I JUCOs. They’re really good. I’ve done some digging.”

Being roommates, Miller and Feret have built a close friendship. Both feel the team chemistry could improve, but they wouldn’t trade anyone. With some of the better teams in the country up next on the road, there is no better opportunity to make the bond among everyone stronger.

“Right now, I think there definitely can be some work with the team chemistry. I don’t think it’s necessarily bad, but I think there’s still some molding down together,” Miller said.

“I love the team. I love all the guys. I think all the guys get along together well. I think it’s a winning chemistry, to be honest,” said Ferek.

While the team bonding and experience in Texas are exciting, the main goal remains the same for the Wolves, and that’s to leave the South with a positive record. Being able to compete and beat those teams can give the Wolves the resurgence they need heading into the middle of the season.

“I think the Texas trip is a big opportunity for us to really boost team morale. I think if we beat these teams, I think it’s that kind of excitement and pride that’s going to carry into when we get back,” Miller said. “Just based off last year, I know, coming back from Texas, we won a lot of games after that.”

“I think if we just beat some of these teams, it’s going to get us really hyped about it,” Ferek said. “Then we’re just going to come back here and start winning games, to be honest.”

The Wolves begin their road trip on Sunday, March 8, against Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas. Their final game on the road trip is on Saturday, March 14, against Rose State College in Midwest, OK.