ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: ZACK GARDNER, SPRINGBORO
Name: Zack Gardner School: Springboro Grade: 2024 graduate Age: 17
Sports: Baseball
Claim to fame/honors: Named player of the year in Greater Western Ohio Conference; led conference with .484 average and 47 RBI in 28 games; led Panthers to 25-3 record (13-1 in GWOC); will play baseball at Clark State Community College
Bet you didn’t know … I’ve been dating my girlfriend since seventh grade
Words I live by: Be yourself
Toughest opponent:
Fairmont
Game-day rituals: I would never touch center field wall on our run to center before games ever since I can remember
What’s on my bedroom walls: American flag and Michigan state posters
When I’m bored I like to … go golfing or hang with my girlfriend
Favorite movie: Benchwarmers
Person who would play me in a movie: Leonardo DiCaprio
Favorite TV show: Smallville
Favorite musical artist:
Zach Bryan
I can’t live without: Baseball
I can live without: Winter
Event I’d like to attend: World Baseball Classic
Favorite home-cooked meal: Steak
Favorite restaurant: Texas Roadhouse Favorite smell: Fire Favorite cereal: Honey Nut Cheerios
Vegetable I won’t eat: I’ll eat them all
I’d love to trade places for a day with … nobody, I like my place here
Whose mind would I like to read? My dogs
Place where I’d love to travel? Australia and go fishing
Talent you’d like to have? Super flexibility
Favorite school subject: Science
Favorite athlete: Bryce Harper
Favorite team: Reds/ Phillies
Favorite Olympic sport: World Baseball Classic
Something in the world I’d like to change: Gas prices
Favorite sports moment: 42
Favorite junk food:
Pizza
Best thing about baseball: I get to play it for fun everyday
In 10 years, I hope to be … a baseball player or a pilot
Nominate an Athlete of the Week:
Send an email to freelance writer Dave Lamb at d_ lamb@msn.com. Please include the athlete’s name, school, sport and a phone number or email address where we can reach that athlete. Please include Athlete of the Week in the subject line.