When Christian Day began his first year on the Copiah-Lincoln Community College baseball team, he was unsure of what to expect.

Now, the former Jefferson County High School standout pitcher has a year under belt and is certain of his role.

“I was kind of nervous (at the beginning of the season,) and I didn’t know how I was going to do,” Day said. “I feel like I had a big responsibility. If I did well, I knew we would have a good chance of winning. I didn’t want to let them down.”

Day said as the season progressed, winning a few games gave him just the boost he needed. He ended the year pitching 61.1 innings and racked up 63 strikeouts for the Wolves (20-27), leading to their first National Junior College Athletic Association playoff appearance since 2005.

For his efforts, Day also named a Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges Second Team All-State member.

“It was sort of a surprise to be that impactful,” he said. “I just got stronger and more confident. I became more comfortable.”

Day said the biggest transition from his days in a Tiger uniform to the collegiate level was learning how to cope with the constant training.

After taking a break for a few weeks after the season ended, Day said he has recently returned to working out five days a week.

“I’ve never pitched this much in my life with this many innings. It’s new for me,” he said. “I want to get up to pitching 90 mph by the end of the summer. It’s about knowing that I can do better.”

While Day is working on his pitch on his own, he will also join the Acadiana Cane Cutters, a travel-ball team based in Youngsville, La. The 6-foot 180-pounder was recommended to the team by Co-Lin baseball coach Clay Smith and expects to begin playing next week.

“It gave me more and more confidence to know (Coach Smith) has faith in me,” Day said.

Day said all if his hard work is geared toward one goal — to land a scholarship offer from four-year university.

“I’m really focused now that I know what I’m capable of doing,” he said. “I’m working on becoming more disciplined and on my body strength. When I get those, I think I can have offers from a few places.”