Jim Case on new Oxford baseball coach: 'I trust him as much as I can trust someone'
Sep. 19—JACKSONVILLE — Jim Case says Oxford High School is getting a loyal person in its new baseball coach, Travis Janssen.
Janssen served as a Jacksonville State assistant coach to Case for seven seasons across two stints: 2006-11 and 2015.
"To me, one of the biggest things you can be is loyal," said Case, who retired this summer after 22 years as Jax State's baseball coach. "That's a great attribute of his. For most of us, if we were truthful, there's always a better coach somewhere, but if you find someone who works hard and is loyal, you don't want to let them go. That, to me, is Travis.
"I trust him as much as I can trust someone."
Janssen left JSU to become head coach at Austin Peay in 2016. He remained there until 2022. On Tuesday, Oxford High announced Janssen will replace head baseball coach Wes Brooks, who is stepping down after a distinguished career that includes state championships in 2012 and 2023.
Case and Janssen have remained close, and so have their families. When Janssen interviewed for the Oxford job last week, he stayed with Case the previous night.
"They're really like family to us," Case said. "We've vacationed together before."
Case said he didn't give Janssen advice but instead listened to his former assistant.
"Obviously, it was fun for me to hear the excitement about the interview the next day and wanting to be prepared and wanting to do a good job, because it was something he really wanted," Case said.
He added that he believes Janssen will do well at Oxford.
"Obviously, he wouldn't be getting this job if he wasn't a great baseball coach," Case said. "But, he's a great person, too. He's a great leader. I can't think of anyone that I could recommend more highly to be in charge of guys who are 14 to 18 years old."
Senior Editor Mark Edwards: 256-235-3570. On Twitter: @MarkSportsStar.
