Although having little to no time for homework, sophomore Aaron DeWolf combines school and athletics to excel in both. During his second year playing varsity baseball, DeWolf plays a key role in the structure of the team.

DeWolf has been playing baseball ever since little league in elementary school. He also played for a travel team after little league, and with the help of his parents and family, he has played ever since.

“At a young age I started playing baseball,” DeWolf said. “In third grade I played in little league and a year later I played for a travel team called Clovis Fire. We successfully played various tournaments throughout California, yet at the same time it took up my summer vacation.”

Out of the many years DeWolf has played baseball, his key mentors are his dad and grandpa.

“My dad has been my greatest help in baseball,” DeWolf said. “He has helpd me to improve my hitting, fielding and throwing; he comes to my games to support, and it really encourages me. Also my uncle who played baseball throughout high school and my grandpa who is an ecstatic fan of baseball.”

This is DeWolf’s second year playing baseball at FC. There has been a big difference between these two years. In his freshmen year the team consisted of all seniors, this year it is almost made entirely of underclassmen.

“In freshmen year we had a team of eight or nine seniors and a few underclassmen,” DeWolf said. “I kept my mouth shut and learned a lot from the seniors and juniors. Now I am one of the few returning players; I have inherited more of a leadership role. It has made this year much more enjoyable because I have bonded with the team in a way unknown to me before.”

As a freshmen and sophomore playing under coach Noah Heinz, DeWolf has improved because of his constant critiques and support of his abilities.

“Since joining high school and being under coach Heinz, I have learned more about baseball than all of my other years,” DeWolf said. “He has expecially taught me, out of the many things, how to hit. I have never been a strong hitter and I’m still not a great hitter, but he has taught me the little things that make my swing that much better.”

Coach Heinz has been proud to coach DeWolf through these first two years of baseball, amazed at how much improvement he has already shown.

“Aaron has been one the biggest success stories FC has ever had,” Heinz said. “Last year, Aaron was the tenth or eleventh player and hardly played at all, hitting at the bottom of the order. This year, he bats regularly is a key defensive player on our team, playing center field for the majority of the games. DeWolf has the highest batting average on the team and has been a leader ever since the beginning of the year. That is one of the biggest jumps I have ever seen at the high school level.”

Freshmen Bailey Brogan is thankful for Aaron’s role on the team and his constant support of the team.

“Our team can rely on Aaron {DeWolf} to make the play that needs to be done,” Brogan said. “He is our clean up hitter which is the third and the most important position while at bat. DeWolf has improved exponentially from the begining of the year, because in the first weeks he was sixth up to bat and he has now improved to third. I look forward to playing with Aaron these next few years to strive for excellence.”

Even with the work load of two honors classes, Advanced Placement US History and a full schedule, DeWolf is determined to try his best in all things he does.

“Normally I will go to practice and be aware that I have to do homework as soon as I get home,” DeWolf said. “I will come home and usually do at least three hours of straight homework and then I’ll wake up for the new day.”

As a year-round sports athlete, Dewolf has played numerous sport and has also compiled a multitude of injurys.

“Other than baseball I have played football, tennis, track and basketball,” DeWolf said. “In fifth and sixth grade I tried football, tennis and track. I stopped playing tennis in the first two weeks realizing it wasnt really my thing. I gave up track and football to pursue baseball and basketball. In the past two years of pursuing baseball and basketball I broke my pinkie, both my hands, dislocated my shoulder and recieved a concussion. Despite these repercussions I always look forward to the next time I can play again.”

DeWolf is thankful for God’s blessing, to be able to play and enjoy his youth baseball career.

“As a freshman, God graced me with a starting position on the lineup,” DeWolf said. “God has blessed my ability to play; I have improved and excelled through God’s grace on my life. I am thankful to God for his blessing on me over these past few years.”

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @J0sh_Carter. Follow The Feather via Twitter: @thefeather.

For more features, read the May 9 article, Junior dedicates time, displays service qualities.