ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Leo Nockley, Wyoming Seminary baseball
With a chance to make school history, Leo Nockley and the Wyoming Seminary baseball team didn't waste time. Nockley got the Blue Knights on the board with a first inning inside-the-park, two-run homer and the Blue Knights went on to win the school's first baseball district championship with a 21-4 victory over Elk Lake. Nockley finished with one official at-bat and scored five runs. Caleb Aponick pitched the first six innings to pick up the win. In all, the Blue Knights had seven hits and took advantage of 21 walks.
Year: Junior
Hometown: Plains
Age: 17
What does it mean to the program to win the school's first baseball district championship?: Its amazing. It truly cant be any better. It's the first one in school history and I wouldn't want to do it with any other group. We faced adversity all year long. Coach (Kevin) Miller truly coaches us and we trusted his process.
What were some of the keys for the team going into the championship game?: We did a lot of fake bunting. We watched the first strike go by and that threw the pitcher off. We were getting in his head on the bases. We picked up on his pickoff moves. All the little things.
You had one official at-bat and scored five runs. How does that happen?: My first at-bat our leadoff hitter, George Rolland got on. My goal was to advance him. I put some good contact on and with my speed I was able to get an inside-the-park home run. That helped the boys get off to a good start.
How much has the program matured since your freshman season?: Honestly, I thought my freshman year was our best group of guys. Clearly my teammates now proved me wrong. We've just been working every day. Coach Miller is getting a good taste of what Wyoming Seminary baseball truly is. He shaped our game around his style. We have gone three years in a row finishing above .500.
How often do you head to the plate knowing you are going to be intentionally walked?: My mindset is to go in there and attack the first pitch fastball. My freshman year I kicked it off pretty good, I batted over .500. My sophomore year I was getting a taste of the intentional walks. This year I have 39 walks in total. Attack first-pitch fastball definitely played off pretty well.
Has there ever been a situation when you were walked and it surprised you?: I've had numerous RBIs on walks. The coach walked me the last game and it was 17-4. He tipped his cap and told me it is out of respect. It is surreal that all the other coaches and player respect the game I put out.
What are your hobbies outside of school?: I'm a big golfer. I always bring my clubs wherever I go in the summer. I like fishing, hunting and spending time with my family and friends.
How would you describe yourself?: Relentless. Hard working.
Favorite food: My mom's homemade chicken and rice
Dream vacation: Italy
Dream prom date: Ava McConnell
Favorite subject in school: Science
Most embarrassing moment: I fielded a ground ball at our home field and I think I smoked the chapel across the street with the throw.
What is the one thing nobody knows about you until now?: All the hard work I put in behind the scenes is starting to pay off now.
The team is coming over for dinner, what are you making?: Pasta, pot of sauce, garlic bread and meatballs.
The best part of high school: Spending it with my buddies and not letting the noise around me get too hectic and staying in the moment.
Favorite movie: "Just Go with It"
Something you think is easy until you actually have to do it: Hitting a baseball
The one thing you are most afraid of: Not working hard enough
The one player on the team you're sitting next to on the bus: Grady Seltzer
The one pitcher you'd like to step in the box against: Mariano Rivera
Future plans: Attending the University of Tennessee to continue his baseball career. He has yet to decided a major.
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