Teays Physical Therapy Center, Inc. is pleased to present this week’s “Diamond Gamers of the Week” awards to Bri Winter from Buffalo High School and Erik Schuller from Winfield High School.
The Buffalo Bison lady softball team has had tremendous success over the past couple years. With three state titles over the past five years, the Bison have been able to prove their worth in the single-A division. This year, senior pitcher Bri Winter has helped bring them to a record 11-0 and another strong push towards the late post season. Last week, Bri fired a two-hitter as Buffalo beat St. Joseph 6-1. Bri also went 2 for 3 with a triple in the win. When asked about her success, Bri says, “I was able to hit my spot when I was pitching, and even though I struggled early at the plate, I was able to bring it together against St. Joseph.” Bri not only excels on the field, but off the field as well where she carries a 3.3 GPA in the classroom.
When asked about expectations for the post-season, Bri says, “We all want to win sectionals and regionals, and take a trip to the state tournament. We feel if we can do that we will be hard to beat in the state tournament.” Bri compares herself to Olympic gold pitcher Jenny Finch. “Jenny Finch is my favorite player ever. She is a hard worker, and I feel like I work hard in the off-season to get to where I am at.”
The Winfield High School Generals baseball team have had a somewhat slow start to the season. They currently stand with 3 wins and 6 losses. Last week, in a 10-7 win over Point Pleasant, senior Erik Schuller showed why he is one of the best baseball players in the area. Schuller stepped to the plate four times, and went 3-for-4 with a single, a double, and a triple for the Generals, falling just shy of the ever rare baseball cycle. He also had two RBIs to help push the Generals to the win. When asked about his success, Eric says, “I went to the plate and saw the ball well. I was able to make contact and use my legs to get some extra bases.” When asked about the team’s success, Erik points all his success towards his teammates, “When we play together we are hard to beat. I think we are still getting used to each other. When our chemistry comes along we will be hard to beat later on in the season.” Erik also pitches on the mound and was crucial in a win over Poca last week as well.
Erik not only excels on the field, but off the field where he carries a 3.7 GPA. When asked about the rest of the season, Erik says, “I feel if we play hard and play together we will be there in the end to maybe come out of our section and make a trip to the state tournament.” Erik compares himself to his favorite pitcher, Arizona Diamondback Randy Johnson. “Randy Johnson is one of my favorite players in the league. He can throw overhand or side-arm, and I feel like I can drop down too to give batters a different look,” says Erik.
Please look for Bri, Erik, and other area high school athletes to be named next week’s Teays Physical Therapy Center Gamer of the Week.
