NIU pitcher Dan Atkenson is making the most of his senior season.

Atkenson is currently 1-0 on the season and supports a 2.66 ERA.

The Orland Park native sat down with the Northern Star to talk about his current success, playing at U.S. Cellular Field and winning a high school state championship.


Northern Star: You had only pitched 12 innings in your entire career before this year, but you’re already up to 20. How does it feel to be having that success so far?

Dan Atkenson: It feels great. I give all the credit to my family. They tell me all the time to take pride in my work and good things will happen, and that’s exactly what I do.


NS: Are there any changes you have made? Any new pitches or anything like that?

DA: I made a couple of adjustments in my mechanics. I kind of just change my arm angles a little bit to throw off the hitters. Other than that just making sure I locate. Keeping the pitches down and getting ground balls.


NS: You were the winning pitcher in the Class AA state championship game at Sandburg High School. Plus, you earned the MVP of the Illinois High School Association tournament. What was that like?

DA: That was probably one of the greatest nights of my life so far.
That year, we had a tragedy; we actually lost a teammate. It was tough, but the way that team was, it’s kind of like this team. We come together during a tragedy, we fight to the end. That’s exactly what we did over at Sandburg.


NS: Are you a Cubs or a Sox fan?

DA: Definitely Sox.

NS: So it’s has to be pretty sweet playing at U.S. Cellular Field.

DA: That’s a dream come true. It’s kind of like you’re in the big leagues for one day. It’s a great feeling.


NS: What’s the nicest field you have ever played at?

DA: During our spring break, we played at Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas [home of the Double–A Frisco Roughriders]. That was a really nice stadium. That’s probably the greatest stadium I’ve ever played in.


NS: Who is the best player you have ever played against?

DA: Probably Alex Gordon [Kansas City Royals third baseman]. A couple years ago, we went down to Texas and played against Nebraska.

Just watching him, how he approaches the game and the way he plays the game, it’s pretty impressive. That’s why he was the second overall pick.

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