Fossil Ridge Catcher Has Set Goals
By Bill Kelly

Fossil Ridge High School’s baseball coach Mike Vandervelde feels very confident his SaberCat’s catcher Drew Pappas is the perfect team leader.“Drew is a vocal leader as well as physical and exemplifies what every successful team needs and coach wants,” said first year coach Vandervelde. Vandervelde, a 23-year-old Michigan native is sharing the job with the incumbent coach Dawes who is leaving the area.

After all the 17 year old senior who is currently batting .300 and sporting a 3.7 GPA has already decided on some of his life’s goals. “My most immediate goal is for our team to win the state championship this year,” said Pappas who list marketing as his favorite subject.

Coaches VanderVelde and Dawes are in agreement on goal number one. “Drew is one of the best players I have had the opportunity to work with as a coach,” said Dawes. “He is a fierce competitor who leads by example.” Papas has been playing baseball since age two and always had a passion for catching.

“I think if I could not be a catcher I would be some where in the infield, probably shortstop,” said Pappas. The SaberCats who are currently undefeated jumped out strong wining their first four games. Pappas’s favorite Major League Baseball player is New York Met’s third basemen David Wright although the Rockies are his favorite team.

Aside from baseball grades are also important to the 6’0” , 175 pound catcher who has already narrowed down the colleges plans. “Right now I am thinking about Augustana College but will also apply to Mesa St, Florida International
and the U of Nebraska-Kearny,” added Pappas.

Division III Augustana College does not offer baseball scholarships but Pappas would qualify for an academic scholarship with his 3.7 GPA. He was a 2007 Academic All State Honorable Mention.
While he thinks he can improve his consistency with the bat he hopes his defensive talent can take him to the next level.

“I think I handle pitchers well which is important,” said Pappas. His current .300 batting average should keep him in most line-ups at any level. “It would be nice to be able to hit well all season long,” said Papas.

Papas is the son of Dennis and Stephanie and has a 15-year-old brother, Jake and sister Ryland. For the mean time, Pappas is just taking it one goal at a time.