Rutgers-Newark Athletics

By Jim Hague

Kevin Olah arrived at Rutgers-Newark after having a stellar high school baseball career at Middlesex High School. He was an All-Middlesex County and All-State Group II honoree his senior year.

“I saw him play a lot,” Rutgers-Newark head coach Mark Rizzi said. “I thought he would be a pretty good college player and that he’d help us.”

However, when Olah arrived at R-N, he didn’t exactly enjoy instant success. In fact, Olah went 20 at-bats before collecting his first collegiate hit.

“He struggled a bit early and I think he put too much pressure on himself,” Rizzi said. “He came in pretty confident, but when he struggled, he didn’t allow himself to relax.”

“It was pretty rough to struggle like that,” Olah said. “I felt like I had to catch up with everyone else because everyone was bigger, faster, stronger and older. Going 0-for-20 like that was really frustrating. I knew it would eventually happen, that everything would just click in.”

Olah did manage to get some big hits as a freshman, collecting 10 RBI in just seven hits. His first collegiate hit was a three-run triple against Kean in the bottom of the ninth inning that forced the game into extra innings. Olah also hit a homer among his final seven at-bats of the season, a two-run homer against Alvernia.

“It eventually clicked for me,” Olah said.

As a freshman, Olah was the backup shortstop to senior Patrick Reitemeyer, one of the best players in R-N history and a statistical leader in several categories.

“It was great to have him on the team,” Olah said. “He saw me when I was struggling and basically took care of me. Watching someone like that and learning from him was special. It was a great way to learn.”

Reitemeyer remains with the Scarlet Raiders as an assistant coach.

“It’s great that Pat is still here and can help Kevin, especially since they played together,” Rizzi said. “The experience the two share together is invaluable. When Pat talks, Kevin listens.”

When Reitemeyer graduated two years ago, it left the shortstop position wide open for Olah to step in.

“I knew the opportunity was there, but I still had to earn it,” Olah said. “I wasn’t satisfied with just getting on the field. I knew I could do it if I worked hard to get better.”

As the regular shortstop a year ago, Olah improved, hitting .236 with 21 hits, eight RBI and 11 runs scored.

“(Hitting coach) Joel (Burgos) has worked hard with Kevin, using Kevin’s better attributes,” Rizzi said.

One of those facets is Olah’s uncanny knack of hitting the ball the opposite way. A left-handed hitter, Olah has found incredible power going to left field.

“He concentrates on going to left,” Rizzi said. “He’s matured and has a good mindset at the plate. He wasn’t hitting for a high average last year, but he had good at-bats. He had an outstanding summer, so that gave him confidence coming into this year.”

The junior has been outstanding since the 2013 season began. Olah is the team’s leading hitter thus far, batting .333 with two double, two triples and 11 RBI.

“He’s a lot more confident at the plate,” Rizzi said. “Everything is coming together for him. I feel good for him, because he works so hard. He knows now that he’s going to be in the lineup every day.”

Olah will see time at shortstop, third base and designated hitter this season.

“But he’s going to be in the lineup every day,” Rizzi said. “We’ll determine where he plays day by day. He’s not your typical shortstop offensively. But he plays well anywhere we put him. His goal this season was to make All-Conference (New Jersey Athletic Conference) and he’s well on his way. He has those goals and it’s very healthy for him.”

“I have a lot better feeling about myself,” Olah said. “I knew I had a good shot to be in the lineup. I’m very happy with the way I’ve started this season, but I’ll trade the hits for a few wins. I want to help the team any way I can. I’m a little more comfortable this season, knowing I can play. I just hope I can stay in the lineup.”

Olah is a criminal justice major with the hope of becoming either a federal agent or a police officer.

“I had other opportunities, but Rutgers-Newark was the best for me,” Olah said. “I had the opportunity to play NJAC baseball and I had the chance to get a good degree.”

Rizzi likes the way Olah stuck with it and has finally emerged into the player he always thought he was.

“He has a very quiet confidence about him and for him, that’s good,” Rizzi said. “It works well. He just goes about his business, on the field and in the classroom every single day.”

Olah has apparently survived the tough times and is ready to continue to thrive this season for the Scarlet Raiders.