I think I earned it... the Zach Hugg Story

SENIOR PROFILES
Zach Hugg played two seasons for us after playing two seasons at Corning Community College. He came into our program as an unheralded prospect. He was not promised a roster spot as a junior and really had to battle his first fall semester as a Blue Devil to make the team.

Never one to take anything for granted, Huggy had an awsome fall. In about 25 intersquad innings, he did not allow a walk, and you could see his improvement daily. I remember telling him the second-to-last day in the fall that he made the team. He gave me a huge look of relief, and said he was nervous the entire fall.

Over his two seasons, I would have to say Zach was one of the most focused players I have ever coached. His effort every game was consistent, and his preparation was outstanding. As a junior, he relieved and had some spot starts.

He came into his senior season with an opportunity to earn a slot in our conference rotation. During the winter, coach Bowman asked Huggy what he saw himself as this year -- a reliever, starter, what role? Huggy's response was "A conference starter. I think I've earned it."

That's what you love to hear from a senior, and Huggy backed it up.

We played Plattsburgh in Florida this year. The first doubleheader was split -- just like last year. Game 3 was a must win. With seven games (and two starts for Huggy) cancelled due weather up north, Zach stepped on the mound for the first time vs. a Plattsburgh team that had 11 games under its belt. Zach had not thrown an inning all season.

Huggy was awesome for us. He ended up going all nine innings and spinning his first shutout in a Blue Devil uniform. The win basically made our trip!

If you look at Zach's stats, they are not overly impressive. But he was a great leader for our staff in the way he prepared himself and the way he competed. He was also a great teammate and brought the pitching staff together.

Zach was great at the things he could control -- effort, fielding his position, holding runners and throwing strikes. No one could ever accuse him of sandbagging!

Zach will be back with the team this fall to help with the pitchers. Looking forward to that!