Beck was first team All-Northeast Ohio District last year as the Central Catholic baseball team advanced to a Division III state semifinal.
Throughout the spring, the Canton Repository will highlight local high school athletes who have had their seasons canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak. Today’s featured athlete is Central Catholic baseball’s Austin Beck.
This season would have been Beck’s fourth as a varsity starter. Beck was first team All-Northeast Ohio District last year in Division III. A pitcher and infielder, he went 4-0 with a 2.01 ERA while batting .267 with 25 RBIs and a team-high 31 runs scored. Central advanced to a state semifinal.
Beck also played quarterback on the Crusaders football team, throwing for 1,669 yards and 13 touchdowns in the fall.
What are your thoughts on spring sports being canceled?
It’s a tough situation. I just wish all these athletes got to showcase their talents this spring and make a couple more memories playing for their school and community.
What were your goals for this season?
As a team we were looking to make a run again to the state tournament. Personally, I wanted to break the stolen base record I tied last year with 26.
How have you adapted to remote learning?
I’d prefer to be in school but I’ve just gotten up every morning and have done all my assignments for that day. That way I have the rest of the day for other things.
What do you miss most from your day-to-day routine, sports aside?
I miss going to school, seeing all my friends, and the relationships I made with the teachers.
What do you miss most about your sport?
I miss it all. It’s the game I love. But if I had to pick one thing, it would be the time we spend together as a team. The locker room shenanigans, pregame and post game traditions, bus rides, and balling out with the dawgs.
What have you been doing to stay in shape?
I’ve been working out, hitting off a tee and playing catch. I’m learning new drills and exercises while being limited during this quarantine.
What are you doing to find inspiration or motivation through this?
Just thinking about what’s ahead for me in my future like my education and playing college sports. It keeps me motivated.
How have you been staying in touch with teammates and friends?
We’ve been texting for the most part. We’ve gone fishing or to Swenson’s a couple of times. We did a group Zoom meeting one time. Just want it to go back to normal so we can all hang out again.
Best binge-worthy TV show?
I just finished “All American” and I’d recommend it! But overall I’d say “Friends.”
Are there lessons you’ve learned from this?
I know everyone probably says this one, but don’t take anything for granted. Enjoy everything while it is there. Live in the moment.
With some time to reflect on what is happening, have you re-evaluated how you wish to spend your time when you’re able to resume your day-to-day activities?
Live each day to the fullest. Hang out with my friends and family just like I did before this whole situation occurred.
What are your post-high school plans?
I will be attending the University of Mount Union where I will be studying civil engineering. I’ll also be playing football and baseball for the Raiders.