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Big week for Lions
By Kevin Hageland Staff Writer
The 2009 Prestonwood Christian Academy baseball season had a tough ending as the Lions were prohibited from appearing in the postseason due to a forfeiture earlier in the year.
Although that finish kept Prestonwood from making a return to the state tournament, key components from the Lions’ state runs in 2007 and 2008 have done quite well for themselves over the past several months.
The most recent success came Wednesday when Hunter Hill was selected in 13th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Hill was a key pitching component for Howard College this season as the Hawks went 62-1 en route to capturing the Junior College National Championship.
“Hunter works hard and has an outstanding arm,” said Mike Maack, Prestonwood head baseball coach. “Hunter consistently throws in the low 90s and has very good command of his fastball, curve and change up. He’s very aggressive on the mound and attacks the strike zone.”
Hill was offered a contract by the Rangers, but passed in order to further his craft in college. It appears unlikely Hill will do the same again this time.
“Hunter had a great season at Howard,” Maack said. “I’m extremely proud of Hunter’s accomplishments and know that he’s ready for the new challenges he’ll face at the next level.”
While Hill may have finished his college career, Cameron Rupp and Jordan Swagerty have reached the top level on the college diamond. Rupp, who graduated from Prestonwood in 2007, and Swagerty, a 2008 alumnus, are set to begin play in the College World Series with the former competing for Texas and the latter Arizona State.
“PCA is extremely proud of these two athletes and the unique accomplishment to have two recent graduates participating this year, but what makes both of these young men individually unique is their constant drive for personal excellence,” Maack said. “Even as high school athletes, these two students had the insight, drive and personal work ethic that is necessary to propel an athlete to success. They each live lives that are authentic and even with their outstanding athletic accomplishments, they remain true to their humble characters.”
Both Texas and Arizona State start play in Omaha on Sunday. Swagerty is a pitcher for the Sun Devils, who face North Carolina at 1 p.m. in the first round. Rupp is a catcher for the Longhorns, who open the tournament at 6 p.m. against Southern Mississippi. The first game will be broadcast live on ESPN with the second being broadcast by ESPN2.
Both Rupp and Swagerty were also drafted after their respective senior seasons with the Lions, but decided to attend college. That decision aside, both Prestonwood alums have stated they would like to play in the majors someday.
“Our entire community will be cheering them on in the World Series,” Maack said. “Both of theses athletes have exactly what it takes to play ball after college and we’re looking forward to seeing their progress on the baseball field and beyond.”
Rupp and Swagerty may want to follow Hill’s career path to the pros, but over the next 10 days the duo will no doubt hope to emulate the success of 2007 Lion graduate John Paterson, who helped lead Richland College to the Division III JUCO World Series Championship this season.
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