GENERAL CAPSULE - Highly competitive... versatile... can closeor start... big key to good year... if healthy, has nearlyunlimited potential... could emerge as the number one starter whenWest Coast Conference play begins.
AT USF (2001) - Reshirted due to shoulder injury.
AT USF (2000) - Made 12 appearances and posted a 3-2 record infirst season with the Dons... earned first win for USF against #19Arizona (1/30/00), striking out three in 2.3 innings of work...recorded season-high five strikeouts in back-to-back victoriesagainst UC Davis (2/23/00) and Fairfield (3/3/00)... hurled acomplete game (7.0 innings) in win against the Stags... notched 26strikeouts in 31.2 innings.
AT DE ANZA COLLEGE - Earned two varsity letters... won firstteam all-conference honors as a sophomore.
PREP CAREER - Three-time first team all-league performer atCupertino High School... earned second team All-CCS accolades as asenior... won four varsity letter with the Pioneers.
PERSONAL - Jesse Mena... goal for the season is to get his armhealthy again... best advice he would give is to leave it all onthe field... favorite book is Summer of '49... enjoys collectingsports memorabilia... favorite sports figure is Roger Clemens...enjoys video games... parents are Mark and Lois Mena... bornJanuary 3, 1979 in Mountain View, CA.
GIARRATANO ON MENA - "Jesse is a very tenacious pitcher withgreat pitchability with a plus fastball and a very good change-up.Jesse's a complete three-pitch pitcher that if he stays healthythroughout the season will make the difference here at USF."
