It started on Homecoming weekend, when over 900 fans helped The College of Wooster break a record for the largest crowd to ever attend a United States collegiate cricket match. Now Wooster’s cricket team has achieved yet another milestone; Ian Carlin ’11 is receiving the John Bart King award, which is given to the best U.S.-born American college cricket player. This senior wicket keeper will be recognized in Sports Illustrated “Faces of the Crowd,” January issue for being the nation’s top American-born collegiate player.
The College’s cricket team founder Lloyd Jodah, contacted Carlin and let him know he won the award and explained its significance. “I was extremely excited, humbled and honored to win the award,” said Carlin. “I feel that there are many individuals in collegiate cricket that also could have been recognized for the award.”
The John Bart King award is given every year by the board members of American College Cricket. During the 30-plus tournaments throughout the year, the board reviews all American-born individuals who currently play for a club involved in American College Cricket. According to the American College Cricket website, “the award is based on performance on the field, and as befits a sport that is now re-establishing its foundation in the USA, it also takes into account off the field performance in furthering cricket.”
According to Jodah, Carlin first stood out at the collegiate championship in Florida last spring, where over 20 universities participated. Not only does he play his position well and help bring his team to victory, Carlin is also the president of the Scots’ cricket team. “I was honored to be recognized and feel that this award will carry expectations of future performance that I must live up to. That’s not a bad thing.”
Carlin was only introduced to cricket a few years ago when he saw a casual game being played by a group of international students in his residence hall. Carlin joined in the game and was then encouraged to join Wooster’s cricket club team.
“I had no idea I would ever be involved [with cricket] in the first place.” However, Carlin was intrigued by the game when he began to play. “I was aware of its massive international following, and it looked like a lot of fun,” he said.
During his high school years, Carlin was involved in a variety of traditional sports including baseball, basketball, football and track and field.
“Baseball was probably the largest contributor to skills that allowed an easier transition to the sport of cricket,” said Carlin. “Things such as fielding skills, proper throwing technique and the focus on hand-eye coordination are crucial to the sports of both baseball and cricket.”
Carlin used his experience as a former running back for the varsity football team to try the position as fielder when he began playing cricket. Carlin’s baseball skills quickly became apparent and earned him a spot as a wicketkeeper/batsman. Today, not only is he considered to be one of the best wicketkeepers in American college cricket, but also bats at number four or five.
Carlin considers cricket to be a challenging sport, but also a very rewarding experience. “The best part of being on the cricket team is the relationship and bonds I have built with my fellow teammates,” said Carlin. “It takes a lot of great individuals to run this club and I believe that’s what we have. That’s what makes the club team so special to me.”