« Baseball 2015

Will Krug

School
University of Illinois
Position
Outfield
Major
Civil engineering

Classroom

Will Krug’s success in the classroom is evidenced by his two Academic All-Big Ten honors (2014, 2013). He is an outstanding student who always hustles to receive assistance with his work by meeting with professors and utilizing the Irwin Academic resources. He is an extraordinary student-athlete in every sense of the term. He uses the same attributes in his studies that drive him to succeed in competition. He faces multiple challenges with a rigorous curriculum in the College of Engineering at a prestigious university that ranks among the best in the nation in that field. But Krug takes his responsibilities seriously and makes arrangements to complete all of his coursework while also traveling during the season. He is the first player to crack the books on the bus or airplane to complete an assignment, and he effectively uses his time. His academic counselor is excited what he will contribute to the world.

Character

Krug is a perfect gentleman who does the right things off the field. He always thanks donors, parents, administrators and fans who have helped him reach his goal of playing Division I college baseball. He is a student-athlete kids can look up to in the way he conducts himself and handles his business, both socially and academically. He’s also had to overcome adversity during his time at Illinois. He suffered a broken arm during his sophomore season, but he continued to stay in shape and work hard so that when his arm was healthy enough he could return as a contributor. He is extremely well-respected by the other players and is a leader on the field. He is a great example regarding how a student-athlete can balance sports and a challenging academic course load.

Community

Krug always steps up and volunteers for extra community service events. He comes from a family that has taught him well, but he also has the instinct to help others and give back to the community. It is impressive to see how he interacts with young people, which was very evident during the team’s visit to an orphanage in the Dominican Republic. According to Krug, the smile on the faces of those kids after they played with them for hours is a memory he will never forget. Each year he helps out with the Tom Jones Challenger League, which focuses on children ages 6 to 21 with varying degrees of physical or mental challenges. He also has assisted with the Big Brothers Big Sisters holiday party, Crisis Nursery Holiday Shop and Thanksgiving basket drives. He has participated in team events at a local church, a Student-Athlete Clothing Drive and Jock Jams, which is a student-athlete talent show that raises money for charities.

Competition

Will has a unique story as a walk-on turned starter. Prior to making the team, he sent the coaching staff numerous emails and letters before going through an open tryout. He consistently went to a local batting cage in downtown Champaign about four miles from his dorm room, traveling there almost every day leading up to the tryouts. Sometimes, the bus took him most of the way, but other times he walked. He showed the desire and drive to be an Illini, so the coaches kept him as a walk-on. He made incredible strides and made the jump from role player to a starting outfielder for the past three years. His work ethic and will to succeed are off the charts. He was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2014, and he has improved his average each season: .275 as freshman, .305 as a sophomore and .307 as a junior. Krug also knows how to use his speed as a smaller player, totaling 36 career stolen bases. He boasts a .980 fielding percentage with 10 outfield assists and patrols center field as well as anyone in the nation by showcasing his speed to cover the gaps.