Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Christian Battista

Oswego IL

16 May, 2022

3:02 PM

Description

The Oswego East baseball team has had plenty of buzz around it this spring with two high-profile senior pitchers in Ashton Izzi and Noah Schultz. MLB scouts have flocked to watch the Wolves play when they pitch. However, the success any team experiences is contingent upon all players investing their efforts and abilities, as well as understanding their role on the team. Senior Christian Battista has provided the Wolves leadership and grit during a so-far rollercoaster of a season, which is why he is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week. Christian has been playing baseball most of his life, beginning with t-ball at the age of 5 through his high school senior season, and is committed to playing in college this fall at the University of Dubuque. "Christian has been in sports since he was 5 years old, which has given him the discipline and teamwork mentality that he lives today," says his mom, Katherine Battista. That teamwork mentality has seen Christian take on a number of leadership roles throughout his time at OE. Christian was the QB for the OE football team as a freshman and sophomore and served as a captain. Wanting to focus on baseball for an opportunity to play in college, Christian has served as a role model and servant leader for the underclassman. "Christian has developed such a leadership role in his classes and on the field," says Katherine. She says, "We are proud he has been recognized with some type of leadership award in every sport he has played throughout his high school career." As a junior, Christian was part of a senior-heavy team but was able to maximize the opportunities given to him. Coming into senior year, Christian understood his role would be expanded, both on the mound and on the field, and was a regular participant four days a week for 5 A.M. workouts. "Christian is an integral part of our team as he is a leader, a role model, and someone who does everything the right way," says head coach Brian Schaeffer. He goes on to say, "Christian is a team-first player and this is what is most important to any success that this team has. He holds others accountable and always leads by example." Christian has been called on to fill a number of roles this season, whether it is catching, playing 3B, serving as the DH, or being an integral role out of the bullpen. Last Thursday epitomized Christian as both a competitor and leader when he was asked to come out of the bullpen against crosstown Oswego. With an overflow attendance and 50 major league scouts out to watch both Schultz and Izzi pitch, Christian was able to steal the show by not only holding the line with the Wolves down 6-2 but serving as the winning pitcher as well. Christian's grit, talent, and competitive spirit were all on display as the Wolves were able to secure a 7-6 extra-inning win. Signed on to play next spring at the University of Dubuque, Christian will look to major in business. "I really want to start my own business and be in control of my own future rather than have someone else telling me what to do," says Christian. Katherine believes her son has the demeanor and work ethic to succeed in this endeavor, saying, "Christian has a skill-set and motivation for success, and studying business will help him with his goal to learn how to be his own boss." Tricia Sommerfeld, one of Christian's math teachers, also has faith Christian will do well, saying, "I know he will be successful in whatever he chooses to do in business and in life because he is inventive, he is willing to take risks, he thinks about others, and above all he is kind." While the Wolves' overall record is not what they had hoped for this season, the playoffs will provide them an opportunity to get hot at just the right time, as they have shown the capability to dominate in each phase of the game this season. Set to graduate this Saturday, Christian reflects on his time at East and advises future Wolves by saying, "get involved in sports or clubs, get to know your teachers, and just have fun with every opportunity." Christian and his teammates are hopeful the post-season will be filled with both opportunity and fun as they gear up for the first playoff game next Wednesday against Plainfield East.