By Savannah McDade Posted May 3, 2011
The Athlete of the Week is chosen for demonstrating outstanding leadership, dedication, and talent in their given sport. This week the athlete chosen was Lowry High School varsity baseball player, senior Dusty Kraft.
Kraft was selected by Lowry’s varsity baseball coach, Ron Espinola. Kraft stood out from 15 other players this week by displaying immense dedication, “He had two games that he’ll probably remember; I think everyone who was there will remember for the rest of their lives because he did something that since I’ve been here in the last 15 years we’ve never done,” said coach Ron Espinola.
During Lowry’s three-game series against Spring Creek on April 22-23 Kraft pitched eleven innings; by rule, a player is allowed to pitch a maximum of eleven innings within a four-day period. Due to shoulder injuries suffered by senior pitcher Anders Pace, Kraft pitched all eleven innings in one day.
“Normally one player gets seven innings at most but I had to step up and pitch for the full eleven,” said Kraft, “I love throwing off the mound, I love to pitch and just the fact that I got the chance to pitch the full game and then start the second game was just something I really wanted to do.”
Not only did Kraft pitch eleven innings in one day but he pitched well and maintained a positive disposition.
“It was just a really phenomenal performance, not only that but then he had […] the game-winning hit in one of the games and then the game-saving catch to end the second game. It was just a phenomenal, phenomenal day for him,” said coach Ron Espinola.
After finishing off his senior year, Kraft plans on playing baseball in college.
