Crissinger becomes a Triton
The Fairmont Cardinal will continue his career at Iowa Central
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FAIRMONT - Who knew one swing would change a player's entire recruiting trajectory? For Fairmont High School's Joey Crissinger, that's exactly what happened this past summer.
It was the weekend of June 21. Crissinger's club baseball organization, P2P Millers 17U Black, was competing in the Great Lakes Wood Bat Open held near the Twin Cities. While Crissinger finished the tournament with powerful numbers - .400 BA, five RBIs, 1.337 OPS - there was one moment that stood out from the rest.
The scoreboard at Bethel College's Hargis Field showed Crissinger facing a 1-1 count with two outs recorded. His team's 5-0 lead over MASH 17U National in the bracket's semifinals was adding another score after Crissinger's fifth-inning plate appearance.
A swift swing from the righty made everyone on the turf field freeze for just a second, fixing their gaze towards the left field fence. The lofted ball carried further and further before disappearing into the trees for good. An absolute no-doubter of a home run. This was the moment that shifted Crissinger's baseball career entirely.
More colleges began to take a liking to what the would-be senior could provide their programs. While already having a few conversations with the University of St. Thomas (MN), St. Cloud State University, and Kirkwood Community College, Crissinger's weekend showing was what he said elevated people’s interest to a whole new level.
One program in particular was Iowa Central Community College, a two-year public school in Fort Dodge that competes at the National Junior College Athletic Association's (NJCAA) Division II level.
After a month-plus recruiting process between both parties, Crissinger made his collegiate decision official last Saturday, Aug 8, committing to play for the Tritons following his time in Fairmont.
"A lot of interest came after that home run at Bethel [College]," Crissinger said. "I got a bunch of texts that week and set up a visit with Iowa Central. After that, I went down there and just loved the campus and everything they talked about."
Crissinger's ideal path through collegiate baseball was always beginning at junior college. He wanted a competitive environment where he could not only improve physical attributes, but also collect immediate playing time.
"I knew junior college was going to be the route for me for a while," Crissinger said. "Instead of going Division I and sitting there for the first two years, I can go play year one and two to get some game experience."
"If I just go to a DI [school], I'd grow my body, but my game doesn't really grow. I'd just be sitting on the bench," Crissinger continued. "But at a junior college, I'd get more game awareness and live at-bats."
Going to Iowa Central checks all these boxes. The Tritons have seen strong yearly success while constantly competing for trips to the NJCAA Division II World Series. They finished the 2026 season with a 53-12 record before ultimately losing to Pearl River Community College in the postseason's final four.
"I know that the chances of me going to the next level if I go there [Iowa Central] are just way higher," Crissinger said. "Double-digit numbers went to Division I this year after playing there. ...It's just a great program."