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Sports

Jennings Brothers Have Helped Highlanders to Outstanding Season

Senior and freshman share time on varsity.

Any time a team can enter the state tournament with legit aspirations of making a run towards a championship it’s a special time of year.

And for brothers John and Ryan Jennings of Gov. Livingston its meant more time to play high school baseball on the same field.

With John, a senior shortstop, and Ryan, a freshman outfielder, this is the only year that the two could share time on the varsity squad.

“Its been great being able to play alongside Ryan,” said John Jennings. “He may be a freshman but he’s mentally tough and knows what it takes to succeed. There’s no limit to what he can do in the next few years.”

This has been a special spring for the Jennings brothers and Gov. Livingston, which takes a 21-6 record into Friday’s Central Jersey, Group 2 quarterfinal against Rumson.

A year ago, the Highlanders reached the sectional final, but bowed to Spotswood. That loss has resonated with the older Jennings.

“That last game against Spotswood really focused us for this year,” said John. “We really want to get back to there (to the sectional final). We’ve all worked very hard in the off-season. We’ve played very well together.”

Gov. Livingston reached the Union County Tournament final for just the third time in the 58-year history of the event this season, losing to Cranford, 14-1, in the final.

“The next day we were able to refocus on the rest of the season,” said Ryan Jennings. “Our coaches are pretty good in not letting us dwell on past losses.”

John Jennings is batting .350 with seven doubles, two triples, three home runs, 20 RBI, 23 runs and an on-base percentage of .450.

“John and Ryan are two of the nicest and hardest working young men I’ve ever coached in my 11 years,” said coach Chris Roof, who is in his eighth year at Gov. Livingston. “They each do whatever is asked of them and give 100 percent every day.”

While Ryan Jennings still has three more years in a Highlander uniform, John is headed to Rutgers next year.

“I can’t wait. It’s going to great to be a part of a Big East school and go and play in so many big cities,” said John. “TCU just joined this year and going to Texas will be a thrill.”

But before the college career begins, there is still the final few weeks of high school to contend with.

“I’m really pumped up for the states,” said Ryan. “It’s the biggest game of the year for us.”

Gov. Livingston primed itself for Friday’s state game with victories over Pascack Hills and Mendham on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

“Its great to play games instead of practice,” said Ryan. “We’ll play anybody, anywhere. Its great to go out and compete.”

And as far as seeing his name written alongside his brother’s this season, Ryan Jennings couldn’t be happier.

“Its been amazing,” the younger Jennings said. “Since I was a little kid its been something that I wanted to do.

“Its been great for us and great for our parents. Its definitely been a dream-like season

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