Rios brothers believe in sticking together
St. Laurence products excited to be playing again with Southland Vikings
While many athletes were left without anyone to train with during the coronavirus pandemic, that was never an issue for brothers Justin and Anthony Rios.
“In our household, we always say, ‘Family is all you’ve got,’ ” Anthony said. “I’m really fortunate to have him. He works just as hard as I do, probably even harder. We push each other’s limits. It’s fun. We get better every day.
“That whole time, after the college season was canceled, we were working together and still pushing hard.”
The Rios brothers, St. Laurence graduates who live in Lemont, are big reasons the Southland Vikings got off to a 6-0 start in Midwest Collegiate League play.
Justin, a 5-foot-6, 165pound outfielder, hit .423 with a whopping 15 RBIs over those six games. Anthony, a catcher, hit .435 with seven RBIs.
Justin also contributes in a big way on the mound. He was the league’s pitcher of the year last season and already has one save.
The pair combined to drive in five runs during Southland’s 10-9 comeback win Thursday over the Crestwood Panthers at Dowling Park in Hammond, Indiana.
Both are thrilled to be back on the field. Justin’s sophomore season at North Central College ended after just seven games. He was on fire before the season was stopped, hitting .533 with 11 RBIs.
“It was devastating,” he said. “We had a great season ahead of us, and it just hurt to have it taken away from us.
“It’s great to be back on the field. It’s very exciting.”
Anthony, meanwhile, hit .389 with 10 RBIs in 10 games for Lewis University before what was supposed to be his senior season was halted.
Seniors were granted an extra year of eligibility, giving Anthony an opportunity to return to the Flyers next spring.
“Everyone is excited to be on the field and look to have some fun,” Anthony said. “We’re out here to win, too. We want to win this championship.”
The Rios brothers, who teamed up for the first time since high school last summer with the Vikings, are glad to have one more chance to play together.
“It’s very fun playing with him,” Justin said. “One last season. It’s really cool that we hit three and four in the lineup. I hit and then he hits and brings me in.
“It’s fun, too, when I pitch and he’s behind the plate catching me.”
Vikings manager Dave Letourneau is certainly glad to have the Rios brothers on