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Kinkaid's Andy Guy
BEHIND THE PLATE: Houston is home to nation's top catchers
They are essentially the “Quarterback” on the diamond, given how they are responsible for players’ positioning and maintaining communication with their team.
Furthermore, a bat is often swung within six inches of their face, so the unwavering focus is of the utmost importance.
Luckily, for some of the Houston area’s baseball programs, their teams are in good hands.
Nolan Traeger (Catcher-2024)--Concordia Lutheran Crusaders
Concordia Lutheran's Nolan Traeger
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Concordia Lutheran baseball is blessed with talent across the board. Their catcher Nolan Traeger is no exception. The 6-foot junior enjoyed a stellar 2022 performance, earning first-team, all-state and State All-Tournament honors, en route to the Crusaders’ appearance in the TAPPS State Semifinals.
Although the previous season ended sooner than expected, Traeger is confident that his team can go further this Spring.
“Last year was a tough year, not the outcome we wanted of course,” said Traeger. “We lost some of our seniors, but we’re reloaded and planning to get back to the State Championship. Concordia has been really good to me and I’m just hoping that I can bring something to it.”
Traeger’s time spent with Concordia Lutheran, as well as his experience in Twelve Baseball and the 15u USA National Team, has garnered him the opportunity to continue his baseball career after graduation. It’s been years in the making with a tremendous amount of work put in, and it’s resulted in his commitment to join his brother -- RHP Jax Traeger at TCU.
“It’s a fun process to be on these teams and to get the experience I have,” he said. “It comes with some perks and can be a little nerve-racking at some points, with all the scouts I’ve played in front of. But, I just play my game and relax, so, it’s been a fun ride.”
Expect another big year from the Concordia Catcher and the ‘Saders, as they’re likely to be contending for a final-four spot, at a minimum.
Andy Guy (Catcher-2024)--Kinkaid School Falcons
Kinkaid catcher Andy Guy will be back behind the plate for the Falcons, as they start their campaign for a second-consecutive SPC State Championship. With numerous starters returning, including Guy (All-South Zone selection) and junior outfielder Miles Roeder (All-SPC), the Falcons don’t appear to be slowing down.
“As a team, we expect to dominate the SPC,” said Guy. “Our end goal hasn’t changed. So, we’re after another Championship. Individually, I’m striving to make the All-South Zone team, again. I hold myself to higher standards as an older member of the team, so I want to set an example and be a leader for everyone.”
The Kinkaid junior has his sights set on another title, but, also has ambitions in mind for his future.
“I decided that baseball was my sport when I was around 12 years old, even though I wasn’t necessarily great at it,” Guy said. “I loved the game and dreamed of playing in college one day. Baseball has opened up so many doors and brought me several relationships I never would’ve had without it. In the future, I hope to see myself looking back at a terrific college baseball career that, in the best of worlds, catapulted me to a pro contract.”
Cade Arrambide (Catcher-2024)--Tomball Cougars
Tomball's Cade Arrambide
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Tomball is fresh off the heels of an impressive 24-11 season, that saw them advance to the UIL Regional Quarterfinals. Junior catcher Cade Arrambide played a significant role in the Cougars success, garnering him first-team, all-district honors. That momentum should only progress, heading into the Spring.
“Being a returning varsity player, it’s my duty to lead and inspire the team by being a great role model, both on and off the field,” said Arrambide. “We lost a good number of seniors last year that left some big shoes to fill. So, I hope to be a vital piece of the team that Coach [Doug] Rush fields. We’re looking to push further than round three this year.”
It should come as no surprise that Arrambide’s performance on the diamond has gained him the attention of scouts and recruiters nationwide. Hence, his commitment to play for LSU, following his 2024 graduation.
“LSU is a great school with an amazing baseball program,” he said. “The coaching staff -- Jay Johnson, Josh Jordan, Wes Johnson, and the Director of Operations Josh Simpson -- made playing ball at LSU an obvious choice. Plus, several family members have attended LSU. We thank God for the blessing of [my] abilities, the opportunities and the coaching/training I’ve had along the way.”
Concordia Lutheran's Jace Jeffries
THE NEW GUY: Jeffries making big impact at Concordia Lutheran
One player, in particular, has shown he has a penchant for executing the little things and making his presence known on the court. Jace Jeffries - the 5-foot-11 point guard has proven he can be relied upon for leadership and big play-making ability. He's a big piece to the puzzle in the Crusaders' imminent playoff campaign.
“It has taken a lot of hours of just being in the gym and working on my craft to get where I’m at today,” said Jeffries. “Keeping my head down and staying consistent, day in and day out over the years has me ready for these types of moments.”
Concordia has become prolific in taking advantage of turnovers in fast-break scenarios, as well as the overall speed among its talented roster.
“Our greatest strength is how fast we play and being able to score in transition,” Jeffries said. “I don’t think a lot of teams can keep up with us and it leads to plenty of easy baskets, which can really help us in close games.”
2022-23 Concordia Lutheran BasketballBradley Collier (Vype)
Following his transfer from St. Thomas this past year, Jeffries has been waiting for the opportunity to establish himself as a leader at Concordia Lutheran. Patience is a virtue, one that he learned from his mother.
“My role model has to be my mom,” said Jeffries. “She taught me how to work hard and always stay the course. She instilled a mentality in me to never get impatient because your turn is always coming.”
Jeffries has ambitions of leading the district in assists and earning first-team, all-district honors this season. He acknowledged that the time he has spent as a Crusader has made him gracious for the opportunity to improve himself and help him to achieve his goals.
“My time at Concordia has meant a lot to me,” Jeffries said. “They welcomed me with open arms and have treated me like family since day one. Coach Honeck, Coach Jake, Coach Carter, Coach Blue, and my whole team always push me to be the best version of myself. I am beyond thankful for them.”