CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – During this week’s episode of Clarksville’s Conversation, Katie Gambill and Charlie Koon spoke with Travis Janssen, Head Baseball Coach at Austin Peay State University (ASPU).
Janssen joined the Govs in 2015 as the 11th head coach in program history. During his tenure, he led APSU to consecutive Ohio Valley Conference tournament appearances in his first two seasons after the program missed the previous three tournaments.
Janssen has also worked on coaching staffs that have produced 10 major league baseball players, including Atlanta Braves outfielder Todd Cunningham and Donovan Hand, who has pitched with the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds. Both were former stars at Jacksonville State.
The coach described his new home as a good baseball town.
“This town is such a neat town in a lot of ways and Austin Peay is a big part of it and Fort Campbell is a big part of it,” Janssen said. “I think the more those two can find ways to interact I think the better off the parties are.”
Each season, Janssen works to put together the best possible team to ensure success.
“You try to find guys that will fit well within your program. We like guys that play hard,” he said. “I like diversity and I think it’s important for the team.”
Janssen said he has been fortunate during his time as a coach to be surrounded by good people and players. He looks forward to his time on the field with the players and finds the position rewarding.
“The best part of my day, I won’t flinch from answering that, is from 2:30- 5:30 every day when I get to be on the field and get to be around the guys and coach them. I love to win. I love to compete, but I also love the relationships with the players,” Janssen said.
As part of connecting more with Fort Campbell, APSU is planning a game later this season that will honor Gold Star Families in the community. Players will wear jerseys with the names of fallen soldiers to recognize their sacrifices and Gold Star families will be in attendance. A date for the game has not yet been set by the athletic department.
In addition to coaching, Janssen hosts youth baseball camps throughout the year. Stay tuned for more information about upcoming camps.
To learn more about Coach Janssen, listen to the full Clarksville’s Conversation podcast below:
About Clarksville’s Conversation:
The Clarksville’s Conversation podcast, hosted by Katie Gambill and Charlie Koon on Clarksvillenow.com, gives you the opportunity to eavesdrop on interviews with leaders and innovators in Clarksville-Montgomery County who shape our community. Check back every Wednesday for new episodes.