Featured Athlete: Karl Harding

You listed as a utility player on the baseball team, but you prefer catcher.

I play catcher and third. Usually I don’t play much outfield, but catcher and third are kind of the same thing. They all involve having to block balls and throwing low. They’re kind of the same skills.

The first game on Tuesday was tied 0-0 when it was called off for rain, but how do you think the team was playing by that point?

I thought we had it. It was the top of the seventh, and they were hitting. I felt like we had some good momentum coming into the seventh so we could score. It got called off, and it was unfortunate.

What expectations do you have for your senior season?

I think we’re going to make it to state. That’s the goal right now, and last year, we made it to state and lost in the first round. This year, we’re trying to make it all the way. That’s the goal and the expectation.

What makes baseball special?

You play soccer and basketball and all the other sports as a kid. For me, baseball had that drive and I felt like I could go far with it. It felt like a fun thing to do.

What skills have you had to develop to be able to play catcher and some infield?

Blocking is important. You don’t let the ball get by.

Do you have any advice for kids that want to play baseball?

I’d say keep at it because baseball is a game of ups and downs. When you’re in the down, you have to keep at it and keep working, and eventually you get up. Yesterday when didn’t hit a lot, but we’re just trying to get our strides.