From Raw Deal to Big Deal

It might be hard to believe now that Union Christian Academy ace senior pitcher Casey Mikula was more than just a little unrefined when he began his high school career four years ago. Mikula is certainly quite masterful on the mound these days and showed just how dominant he's capable of being with a pair of complete-game one-hitters earlier this season. While there's no doubt this standout three-sport star (baseball, football and tennis) possesses natural athletic abilities, he is actually quick to credit others for helping mold him into a top-notch hurler. "In ninth grade I was pretty raw," Mikula admitted. "Coaching has been a big deal (in his steady improvement). I just didn't have good mechanics." Apparently, guidance and tutoring from dad has also been a plus over the years. "My father (Jim) played baseball in college (Southern Arkansas University) and he's always helped me along the way," the younger Mikula assured, while fondly recalling the one-on-one backyard practices from years ago. Receiving instruction is definitely a key. But Mikula obviously had all the tools and always maintained a strong commitment to getting better. "Pitching-wise, he's got the total body type (6-foot-1, 180 pounds)," said Union Christian baseball coach Brian Fry. "He's worked real hard on his mechanics the last two years. He has a high 80s fastball, curve ball and change-up. He has good command of all three of those (pitches). He throws a two-seam fastball ... it really runs in on right-handed batters. "As far as his control, he's just so accurate. He'll move it around. He'll stay inside and then go outside. He changes the (batter's) eye level. He just pounds the strike zone. Mikula concurs with Fry that his best pitch is the fastball and suggests that when he's most effective it leaves "batters handcuffed." Although his work on the hill is most impressive, Fry lauds Mikula's offensive prowess as well. Through early April, he was hitting .405 with an on-base slugging percentage of .556. "He has a very short, compact swing," Fry said. "He knows the strike zone. Being a pitcher helps him understand (what opposing hurlers are doing). He's an aggressive hitter." Not surprisingly, Fry may be most appreciative of how Mikula conducts himself around his teammates. "He's such a leader for us," Fry understated. "His work ethic is just outstanding." Perhaps the best example of Mikula's resilience and resolve occurred a year ago when a pulled hamstring limited his playing time for quite a bit of the '07 high school season. Mikula, though, rebounded in time to play American Legion ball last summer and he has since followed that up with what has looked as though will be a solid finish to his prep playing days. As for what's up next after graduation later this month, Mikula was still contemplating the difficult decision of whether to try and continue his career or simply focus on studies when he enrolls in college next fall. "I'm very satisfied with it (performance during his high school years)," Mikula said. "I'm glad I've been healthy (as a senior). It was always my goal throughout my entire high school career to play baseball (at the collegiate level). I've enjoyed it a lot and it will be tough to give it up." Whether he simply focuses on education from here on out or happens to continue as a student-athlete, it's likely Mikula will have the drive and determination to be successful no matter what path he ultimately takes.