There is no rest for multi-sport star Josh Hegemann.
With each sports season comes a new palette for the senses. The smell of fresh-cut grass in the spring, the sight of the lights illuminating every Friday night during the fall and the squeak of sneakers on the hardwood– Josh Hegemann loves them all.
2019 marked one of the best calendar years in Badin’s athletic history and Hegemann was at the center of it all.
The senior was a two-way star in football, is the primary ball-handler in basketball and roams centerfield for the baseball team. When it comes to which one he likes most, it depends on the time of year you ask him.
“Every season I play I fall in love with that sport,” said Hegemann rather diplomatically. “That’s what makes it a hard choice when it comes to college and trying to pick a sport to play.”
He admits that if he was stranded on a deserted island and could only play one sport he’d pick football. Though that be justified since this past fall he was one of the main contributors on the Badin Rams team that fell just short of a regional championship.
In 13 games Hegemann scored in practically every way you can. In three playoff games alone he scored touchdowns by a kick-return, pick-six, receiving and even connected with Zach Switzer for a passing touchdown.
Football was the Badin senior’s first admiration, which was sparked by his father. Josh’s dad, Mark, played football in high school at powerhouse St. Marys Memorial High School, which is just up I-75.
“I definitely fell in love with football first,” said Josh. “My dad was a big football player when he was in high school. Then he would take me to Ohio State football games, so I kind of fell in love with being a football player.”
And though his dad sparked his love for sports, Hegemann joked that he got his athletic talent from his mom, Melissa.
“My mom played volleyball in college (Malone University), so everyone says I got my athletic ability more from her than my dad,” he said with a grin.
Well, he certainly got it from somewhere, because regardless of the situation or sport that ability shines through. It has shined so brightly that coaches from the next level have taken a notice, which has given Hegemann a tough decision to make.
Whereas most high school athletes have to decide on where to play, Josh adds on another tough pick– what to play.
He currently fields Division I offers in both baseball and football, and the pigskin opportunities are just beginning to emerge.
“Schools for football are still coming in,” he said. “As of right now, it comes down to whether I want to play football or baseball.”
Hegemann has been in contact with several schools in the Pioneer Football League, such as Butler, Dayton and Valparaiso. As for baseball, he has an offer to stay here in the ‘Nati to play at UC. The deciding factor in this tough decision? Well, education of course.
“My parents have always preached to me that I should focus on the education aspect of it,” he said. “I want to major in pharmaceuticals, which a couple of those schools have. So they’d be a great fit.”
The University of Cincinnati and Butler University both are esteemed pharmacy colleges. Josh’s brother already attends UC, which he admits is definitely a bonus to choosing the Bearcats.
Though he is in the second semester of his senior year, Hegemann is in no rush to make a decision, instead just focusing on enjoying his final few seasons wearing a Rams’ uniform.
A senior year that started out strong because of the run made in football, a trend the Rams hope to parlay into basketball and baseball.
“My favorite memories playing sports were made this past fall right here when we made it to the third round of the playoffs,” said Hegemann. “Representing the Badin Rams and having the whole school on your back, especially playing with my best friends while making a run for a state title, is one of the best feelings ever.”
The Rams haven’t won a state championship in a boys’ sport since the 90s. With two chances left (basketball and baseball) Hegemann wants to hoist that trophy at the end of the season.
“Our goal is to win a title, and I think we have what it takes,” said Hegemann. “We are going to do whatever it takes. We are going to push to our ability and do whatever we can to make that happen.”
Badin basketball is on the rise, but it’s been a while since the Rams have won even a district title. Baseball has reached the state final four seven times in the past twenty years, but have failed to finish their season with a win each time.
As for personal goals, Hegemann just wants to take in the experience of playing his senior year.
“I just want to enjoy the moment while I still have it,” said Hegemann. “After this year, it’s going to go down to one sport. So, I’m going to have to make the most of it.”
Between playing three sports Hegemann spends an immense amount of time improving his game. Does he mind spending that much time at practice and games?
“Absolutely not,” he said. “If I didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn’t do it. I’m not worried about ‘when can I get a break,’ I’m just focused on making the most of it.”