Jack of many trades
Brother Rice’s Lausch calls it ‘a perfect opportunity’ in committing to playing two sports for Notre Dame
As scholarship offers rolled in from some of the top college baseball programs in the country, Brother Rice’s Jack Lausch could have jumped at the opportunity to focus on committing to one sport.
Lausch, though, remained steadfast. The Crusaders’ senior quarterback was not ready to give up his football career.
He held out for an opportunity to play both sports in college — and he will get that chance at Notre Dame.
The Irish offered Lausch a preferred walk-on spot on the football team, and he recently committed to play both baseball and football in South Bend.
“I’ve always been a big Notre Dame fan,” Lausch said. “I’ve always been interested in doing both there. They’re both big-time programs. It’s a great school and a great place. I think it’s a perfect opportunity for me.
“I’m going to be a preferred walk-on football, and there will be scholarship opportunities in both sports down the road. It’s exciting.”
When it came time for Lausch to make a decision about which sport to pursue beyond high school, it was a choice he simply did not want to make.
“I kind of always have thought about doing both,” he said. “Most people choose one sport. I have a lot of friends who have done that. I’ve always wanted to do both, and once I knew it was possible, I never really thought of doing anything else. I’m excited to do both as long as I can.
“I’ve always loved playing both and I still do. I think I can have a lot more fun competing at both of them.”
Lausch, an outfielder, hit .261 with 32 runs and 17 RBIs in 30 games this spring for Brother Rice. His baseball offers included Vanderbilt, Texas, North Carolina and Alabama.
On the football field, Lausch is a dual-threat quarterback capable of beating teams with his arm or his legs. He helped the Crusaders go 4-2 during the abbreviated spring season.
Brother Rice football coach Brian Badke is confident Lausch can have success in whatever he does.
“Jack is a special young man,” Badke said. “He’s a great leader. He’s a hard worker. He’s confident in his abilities because of how hard he works.
“To get an opportunity to go to an institution like Notre Dame and play both sports is really exciting for him. Jack is going to be able to accomplish anything he puts his mind to.”
While many baseball programs balked at the idea of Lausch also playing football, Notre Dame has made it work in the past.
Among the high-profile athletes to play both sports for the Irish are Bears tight end Cole Kmet, former Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija and free agent NFL receiver Golden Tate.
“Notre Dame is a great place to do both,” Lausch said. “They’ve had success with guys doing both
before. Communication is key with both coaches. I know we’re going to make it work.”
Lausch, who has attended Fighting Irish football games as a fan, has imagined the thrills he will experience running out of the tunnel at Notre Dame Stadium for the first time.
“It’s going to be awesome,” he said. “It looks so fun. It’s an amazing place to play.”
In baseball, Lausch is excited to contribute to a rising program. Notre Dame reached the NCAA Super Regional this season, falling to eventual national champion Mississippi State.
“They’re getting really good and we’re going to be good for a while,” Lausch said. “I think I can go in there and be a guy who’s really athletic, really smart and really competitive. I think I can bring that quarterback mindset from football into baseball, which really helps. I think I can make a lot of big plays for them.
“With both sports, I’m excited to get there, do my best, and just compete.”