Jake Wholohan - if it seams, it spins

Jake Wholohan joined Hawkesbury Cricket Club in the 2018/19 season after spending the majority of his cricket career at neighbouring Penrith.

He made his first grade debut for Penrith in 2015/16 and follows in the footsteps of his father Michael and grandfather Trevor.

Let’s find out more about Jake and his journey so far

 

 

What year you were born?

1996

If you can share with our readers how you would describe yourself as a cricketer?

I would call myself an off-spinning allrounder at best!

What’s been your most memorable moment in cricket so far?

There have been a few but I think winning the First Grade Limited Overs Premiership for Penrith was the most memorable. We had a really great bunch of guys who worked hard over a long period of time and to beat our arch-rivals Hawkesbury (my current club) was even better.

At what age did you make your first grade debut?

I had just turned 19 years old and it was against Eastern Suburbs at Howell Oval.

Who’s your favourite all-time cricketer?

I can’t go past Jacques Kallis – tremendous allrounder over many years for South Africa. Really admired the way he went about his cricket.

Who is the fastest bowler you’ve played against?

I’ve been fortunate enough to play with and against Pat Cummins. Pretty exciting when he’s on your team, not so much when you’re facing him!

Who is the best spinner you’ve played against?

I’ve played against a lot of good spinners and for different reasons. Devlin Malone (Sutherland and Sydney Uni) certainly has my measure – I’ve lost count the number of times he’s got me out.

Who played the best innings you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

Justin Avendano scored a run-a-ball 195 in a two-day match at Howell Oval which was next level. From memory, we posted in excess of 350 and the next week he just took down our Lalor-led attack from the word go. Good news was that we won the match. Bad luck Bears.

Who are the two players in NSW Premier Cricket you’ve come to admire most in terms of skills and competitive spirit in the competitions you played?

Liam Robertson from Sydney University is hard to go past. Such a skilful competitor on the field however you wouldn’t meet a better bloke off the field.

Adam Semple from Randwick Petersham is another. He does the business year in, year out and I admire the way he goes about his cricket. World’s best number 8!

Liam Robertson

Who was the best wicket keeper you’ve seen firsthand playing with or against?

Tim Cummins. He epitomises what grade cricket is all about. Absolutely loved playing alongside him. Just has an incredible work ethic.

Who was the best captain you had the good fortune to play with? And if you could add a few words to why

Without a doubt, Matthew Halse. He was a fellow off-spinner so we were pretty like-minded on the field. Tactically very good but he was also a fantastic man manager. Very level-headed and got the best of his players. Wish I still played with him.

Which singer/band would you like to see perform live?

The Beach Boys. I was born in the wrong era. I like all the old bands!

Jake batting in his days with Penrith

Who’s the king of selfies at your club?

Hard to go past Scotty Baldwin. He would’ve been the class clown at school. Every club needs a Scotty!

Can you recall some banter or an exchange on the cricket field that still makes you laugh today?

I remember when I was playing 5^th Grade many years ago and one fella from Sydney University called me Stuart Little when I was batting. I still talk about it today. Funny and accurate! I do also recall Warren Buttigieg calling me a peperoni pizza once when I had a few acne issues with my skin. Another memorable exchange!

Who’s been the biggest influence on your career so far?

I’d have to say my Dad – Michael Wholohan. Has been my coach for the majority of my career at Penrith and now at Hawkesbury. His knowledge, wisdom and experience speaks for itself. Other notable mentions would have to go to Matthew Halse, David Leishman and Garry Sheen – all great cricketers and mentors!

Jake and his dad Michael - Michael has been appointed Head Coach at Hawkesbury

Where do you find inspiration that gets you through challenging times?

The people around me. Whether that be my family, teammates at cricket or colleagues at work, there are always people I look up to. 

Who are the three people in the world you’d love to have a chat to in person?

Billy Joel – his music is next level. It’d be great to get an insight into the way he writes music.

Jennifer Aniston – always been a favourite of mine!

Peter Johnson – my late friend and mentor who sadly passed away last year. I would do anything to chat to him and solve the problems of the world again.

What do you like to do to relax outside cricket?

I’m slightly different to most cricketers. I’m heavily into my musical theatre. I absolutely love the stage and I find it’s actually a great way to relax even though it’s quite intense at times. Strumming my guitar is another winner!

What's your occupation?

I am a primary school teacher at Walters Road Public School in Blacktown. Love the buzz you get out of teaching 30 young kids. One day I hope to be a principal – that’s always been a goal of mine. I’m pretty lucky that I have got a few great mentors around me. Shout out to Andre Monardo and Garry Sheen.

Do you have a favourite quote?

It’s more of a cliché but it’d have to be “If it seams, it spins.” I respectfully remind all of my captains about this one, particularly if we are playing on a wet wicket and they keep throwing the ball to the quicks.

Can we ask, what would it mean to you to play for first class cricket?

Every young cricketer aspires to play cricket at the highest level. As a youngster, it’s all I thought about and cricket was the only thing I spoke about at the dinner table. Playing first class cricket is no doubt on most grade cricketers wish list and that’s no different with me! It would mean needing to relocate from Wentworth Falls to somewhere slightly closer to the city!