DEREK HUG, BRYAN HIGH SCHOOL

Senior outfielder Derek Hug has had a huge final season at Bryan High School . Hug has helped the No. 7 ranked Golden Bears to an 18-3 record. The 6-2 senior has also helped Bryan continue its 40 straight Northwest Ohio Athletic League wins as well as a fifth straight NWOAL title.

Hug is batting a solid .524 with eight doubles, six triples, 22 RBI and 27 runs scored. Hug also has swiped 15 bases without being caught.

1. How old were you when you started playing baseball?

I started playing baseball when I was 4 years old.

2. What Colleges were you hearing from and what were you hearing from them?

I really didn't start hearing from colleges for baseball until the middle of this season. Heidelberg was really the only school that was interested in me. They said they were really excited to have me and liked what they saw out of me. They liked my potential.

3. Deciding to play both baseball and football is a time consuming choice. What was your reasoning to decide to play both instead of committing to one? (Also what position will you play in football?)

I ended up choosing to play both sports in college because I love both sports so much and I couldn't decide which one I like playing more. I have made many memories through both sports and having the opportunity to play both of them in college is a tremendous honor. This fall I will be a WR/TE at Heidelberg.

4. What has your coach, Jeff Inselmann, been able to help you with in terms of your hitting and playing the game of baseball as a whole?

Coach Inselmann has done a fantastic job with our program and I give him a ton of credit for helping me not only with my swing, but the whole game of baseball. He and I worked all off-season on hitting the ball where it's pitched and being willing to hit the ball to the opposite field. Being able to do those two things as a hitter has helped me significantly. Also, he brings an intensity to practice every day that encourages me to work harder and become my very best in all aspects of the game.

5. Who has had the most influence on your baseball career?

I would say my parents have had the most influence on my baseball career. They have been there to support me from Day 1 and have encouraged me to be the best that I can possibly be. My grandpa has also given me good advice throughout the years and has instilled in me that heart and desire are keys to being successful.

6. What is your favorite memory on a baseball field?

My favorite memory on a baseball field would have to be hitting my first career varsity home run my sophomore year in the Sectional Finals. It was a moment I will never forget.

7. Who are some of the best players you have shared the field with?

Matt Wisler, TJ Losby, and Levi Fisher

8. Who were some of the tougher pitchers you have faced?

Anthony Kidston, Rob Zeigler, Kevin Kline, and Keegan Long.

9. What are your thoughts on your upcoming tournament run?

I'm really excited and looking forward to the tournament. As a team, we are playing solid baseball and believe that we can compete with anybody that we face. We just have to come ready to play our best baseball every night and the rest will take care of itself.

10. If baseball/football ended tomorrow, you would?

If baseball and football ended today, I would continue to pursue a career in the medical field, that way I could someday come back to Bryan and give back to the community that has provided me with so many opportunities.

11. What is something that baseball fans would be surprised to learn about Derek Hug?

I actually play three instruments: the violin, piano, and guitar. I've been playing the piano and violin for about 8 years now and I taught myself how to play the guitar in 8th grade, so I have been playing them all for awhile. Playing them is a way for me to relax after a long day or get me focused for a game.