By Bobby Mathews, Sports Editor
TRUSSVILLE — A pair of Hewitt-Trussville players made history on Sunday, June 12 when senior Riley Quick was named Mr. Baseball by the Alabama Sports Writers Association and junior Kenleigh Cahalan earned the Miss Softball title.
No high school has ever had both Mr. Baseball and Miss Softball representatives in the same year before.
“I didn’t really expect this,” Quick said. “I knew I was going to get some awards like I had gotten last year, but this really means a lot. It’s a huge honor.”
Quick was also named 7A Player of the Year and 7A Pitcher of the Year at the ASWA’s 50th anniversary banquet in Birmingham.
He was 13-1 on the season and posted a microscopic 0.92 ERA, struck out 130 batters overall and pitched back-to-back no-hitters at one point during the season and was a chief component in the Huskies’ run to the 7A state title game.
Quick was informed of the honor prior to the banquet via a phone call from his coach, Jeff Mauldin.
“He called and told my Dad and me while we were in the car,” Quick said. “Of course I was very excited.”
Cahalan was also the 7A Player of the Year, and won the Miss Softball title, an unusual — though not unprecedented — move for an award that usually goes to a senior. Cahalan just completed her junior year.
“I really didn’t expect it,” Cahalan said. “I was very honored. The hard work I’ve put in with the Bolts (travel team) organization and our school ball organization all paid off.”
Cahalan’s discipline and talent paid off in a big way, according to Huskies softball coach Taylor Burt.
“Kenleigh does a lot of things people don’t see,” Burt said. “No. 1 is her discipline and work ethic, her discipline academically, in her diet, in the weight room. She does all the little things even when nobody’s watching. She does a lot of the things that a lot of teenagers wouldn’t do.”
For Hewitt-Trussville Athletic Director Lance Walker, the sweep of the state’s top awards is truly gratifying and a milestone for the school’s sports.
“I am proud of both Kenleigh and Riley for winning the Miss Softball and Mr. Baseball awards respectively,” Walker said. “To be recognized as the best player in your sport regardless of classification is a remarkable feat. Congratulations are also in order for their teammates, coaches and families. We do not have great Softball and Baseball teams. We have great Softball and Baseball programs. Coach Burt and Coach Mauldin should be commended as well. This is a great recognition for our school and community.”