SPRINGFIELD, MO - Austin Tribby is the kind of pitcher that coaches dream of. The Springfield Catholic senior is 6'5", throws in the mid to upper 80's, and the best part .... he's left handed.
"Being left handed is great," said Tribby.
For teams that aren't used to facing lefties, Tribby is a nightmare.
"Being a lefty is an advantage," said head coach Jason Daugherty. "We may not see one for weeks and weeks and then we see one. It's a big advantage. Being a lefty, that's why they're coveted in the major leagues."
Not only does the Missouri commit have the physical tools, he also has a competitive fire. So much so, that keeping an even keel on the mound can sometimes be difficult.
"Sometimes it's hard. You get so physically and emotionally hyped up for the game. You're ready to go, but you have to control your emotions a little bit. I've been working on that."
"He's a great competitor, a fantastic kid. He's our emotional leader. We feed off him."
And the Irish count on him, knowing that with their ace they have the chance to have a special season.
"He's our horse. If we have to win a game he's the guy we're putting out there. No matter who we play this year, even if we go to the Final 4, I know if he's out there we have a shot. That's comforting."
"The stats are nice, but also right now it's all about the Irish. I'm not worried about playing with Mizzou or playing with the National this summer. I'm just worried about hopefully leading our team to a state championship."
Catholic's Austin Tribby is this week's Arby's high school athlete of the week.
"Being left handed is great," said Tribby.
For teams that aren't used to facing lefties, Tribby is a nightmare.
"Being a lefty is an advantage," said head coach Jason Daugherty. "We may not see one for weeks and weeks and then we see one. It's a big advantage. Being a lefty, that's why they're coveted in the major leagues."
Not only does the Missouri commit have the physical tools, he also has a competitive fire. So much so, that keeping an even keel on the mound can sometimes be difficult.
"Sometimes it's hard. You get so physically and emotionally hyped up for the game. You're ready to go, but you have to control your emotions a little bit. I've been working on that."
"He's a great competitor, a fantastic kid. He's our emotional leader. We feed off him."
And the Irish count on him, knowing that with their ace they have the chance to have a special season.
"He's our horse. If we have to win a game he's the guy we're putting out there. No matter who we play this year, even if we go to the Final 4, I know if he's out there we have a shot. That's comforting."
"The stats are nice, but also right now it's all about the Irish. I'm not worried about playing with Mizzou or playing with the National this summer. I'm just worried about hopefully leading our team to a state championship."
Catholic's Austin Tribby is this week's Arby's high school athlete of the week.
