Prep of the Week: Easton Fritcher

(ABC 6 News) — It’s been quite the run for senior Easton Fritcher.

Not even days after repeating as state champions in basketball, he had to switch gears and get ready for baseball, another championship he will have to help defend.

“It’s nice because first off, you don’t get a break,” Fritcher explained. “I mean it’s just go-go-go and that’s kind of how I like to do things anyway. So, it’s — I mean, it feels nice being able to win another championship but it’s time to focus up again and I know everyone knows that too.”

The Vikings got off to a hot start, at one point averaging 13 runs a game while Fritcher was money on the mound. In their April 21 victory over Maple River, Fritcher struck out ten and did not allow a hit over six innings. He also contributed at the plate, knocking in a go-ahead two-run homer.

When asked if he likes hitting or pitching more Fritcher replied, “I definitely enjoy hitting a little more. I think it’s more a challenge, especially when, you know, get to the higher levels. It’s really hard to hit a baseball, especially if it’s coming at you 95-plus. But, you know, the feeling of hitting a home run, in my mind, beats a strikeout any day.”

As Fritcher inches closer to putting a bow on what has been a decorated career as a Hayfield Viking, his head coach Kasey Krekling praises what he’s meant to the program.

“We’re definitely going to miss him after having him for five years.” Krekling chuckled. “Just always kind of knew, ‘Hey, we can slot Easton in at the top of that lineup,’ for the last five years. He’s a great competitor, he really loves to teach the younger guys, he’s put in a lot of time in baseball. He shows what kind of hometown guy he is, he does all the things here, he plays basketball, he plays baseball, he’s a great guy to have.”

Fritcher will continue to play baseball in college when he joins the University of Minnesota later this year.