Chase Weese

Chase Weese does the most thankless job on the baseball diamond — catching.

“He’s the only person that I know in sports that has to work two jobs, get beat up and still gets criticized by the coach because he may miss a ball or two,” LR varsity baseball coach Andrew Stacy said. “Offensively, it hurts you because you have to catch bullpens, and work on drills before you hit. As a coach when you go into a year knowing you have a legit varsity catcher, with all the talent and desire of Chase, you know that you have one big check off your list.”

In recognition of his strong work ethic, determination, commitment and good sportsmanship, Chase is this week’s Boosters and Hancock Lumber “Player of the Week.” Each week, a Lake Region athlete is recognized for his/her dedication (does more than what is asked), work ethic, coachability and academic good standing. Recipients receive a specially-designed T-shirt, sponsored by Hancock Lumber.

The Weese File

Name: Chase Weese

Year in School: Sophomore

Hometown: Naples

Parents: Sherrie Small, William Weese

Sports you play: Football, baseball

Why did you choose to play baseball? I’ve played baseball since I was a kid and I have always loved it.

What is the most difficult part of the game? Keeping composure for the team when other people get mad.

What do you enjoy the most about baseball? Being a part of the team. I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

What do you feel you need to work on and why? Keeping composure to be a better leader.

Why is teamwork important? It’s the start to being great.

What is the biggest impact your coach(es) have had on you? To work hard and don’t give up. Move on after a bad throw, play for the next play.

How do you want people to view you as an athlete? Someone who works hard, doesn’t give up and is a great team player who wants to win.

Ten years from now, when you look back on your high school sports career, what do you think you will remember most? The team bus rides coming back from a big win.