A FUN EXPERIENCE - Seymour Tribune

March 13, 2015

For some athletes, playing against the elements is the only option.

Seth Stuckwisch prefers outside sports and has thoroughly enjoyed his tennis and baseball careers at Seymour.

“It’s been a really good time,” Stuckwisch said. “The coaches have really helped me, working with me in the offseason. I’ve enjoyed it. It’s been a fun experience.

“I’ve been successful in a lot of ways here, and I’ve made memories I’ll have the rest of my life. Nothing comes easy.”

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In tennis, he had the memories of playing with the same doubles partner, Andrew Rudge, all four years.

The duo played No. 2 doubles together their freshmen and sophomore seasons, then moved up to No. 1 doubles the past two seasons.

This past fall, the tandem advanced to the regional.

“It benefited us a lot,” Stuckwisch said. “We really grew together, we improved together, and we were really able to realize what we were capable of doing, and what balls we could and couldn’t get, and how we could help each other out.

“I think our senior year we really came a long way and surprised some people with what we were capable of. Predominantly I played on the right side. I felt a little more comfortable on the right side, and he felt more comfortable on the left. It just kind of worked out.

In the fall, Stuckwisch and Rudge went 11-8.

“We had a couple losses we probably shouldn’t have dropped, but you kind of have those matches,” Stuckiwcsh said. “The sectional championship match against Scottsburg was a hard-fought match.”

Prior to his freshman year, Stuckwisch hadn’t played on an organized tennis team.

“I picked (tennis) up as a freshman,” Stuckwisch said. I met coach (Brad) Emerson and talked to him a little bit, and got with him and started hitting. I took a liking to it, and it just kind of took off from there. He took to mentoring me, and I had a good relationship with him and it really worked out.”

In baseball, Stuckwisch will play wherever he can to help the Owls.

He did some catching his sophomore year and last spring started at second base. This spring he may end up at third base.

“I adjusted to (second base) and the coaches were helpful to that, and it kind of took off from there,” Stuckwisch said. “We have some kids that are able to play middle infield now. Middle infield wasn’t a natural position for me, but I was able to do it. Third base is more natural. There is an opening there, and if everything works out I’ll probably be there this year.”

On the diamond, Stuckwisch said he thinks his arm is one of his strengths.

“We did a couple throwing camps over the summer coach (Jeremy) Richey put together, and that helped with confidence a lot. We were able to throw the ball hard, and it showed us not to be scared to throw the ball hard,” Stuckwisch said.

At the plate, Stuckwisch said he enjoys hitting and will bat wherever he can help the team.

“We have good (hitters), so I’ll hit anywhere in the lineup,” he said. “I feel like I can bunt. Where ever I fit in will be good. I guess it will be a matter of who performs day-to-day. Hopefully when we settle in I’m in the middle to the end of the lineup and get the bat on the ball and put the ball in play, and get on base for the top.”

When taking batting practice indoors, Stuckwisch works on going with the pitch and doesn’t try to pull outside pitches.

“We try to barrel it up every time,” Stuckwisch said. “Ground balls take bad hops, fly balls don’t, so we want to keep the ball out of the air. We try to have quality at-bats.”

The senior said having two weight rooms, one in the gym and one in the stadium, not only helps baseball players but athletes in all sports.

“The coaches prepare us really well,” Stuckwisch said. “We want to take it one game at a time and definitely defend our home turf. It’s a tough conference, but we’re going to compete. That’s all we can do.”

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Parents: Gregg and Joy Stuckwisch

Sibling: Shelby

Sports: Tennis, four years; baseball, 4 years

Athletics highlights: Tennis — advancing to regional in doubles, Most Valuable Player, all-conference honorable mention

Organizations: National Honor Society, Latin Club, Show Choir, student athletic board

Plans after high school: Attend Indiana University

Attending SHS: “Four years ago it was probably one of the greatest decisions of my life to come here. I’ve met multiple people from the administrators in the building to the coaches. They’ve all had a big impact on me. Growing up going to the basketball games, and playing on American Legion Field was one of the things I looked forward to.”

Home baseball games: “Home games are great. We’ve got a nice field; the brand new scoreboard is up. That will be beneficial. We’ve got the sectional at home this year.”

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