By: Patrick Doran
Being the older around can naturally come with leadership responsibilities, and Drew Hunniford couldn’t agree more.
Hunniford, a fifth year senior at St. Xavier University is gearing up to take on his fifth and final season of collegiate baseball.
“I love it, it comes with more responsibilities yet more freedom at the same time. But on top of that it comes with a level of trust between myself and the coaching staff, and I had to prove myself to develop the trust. On and off the field I enjoy being viewed as the old guy who can be relied on and can set an example for the younger men to follow.”
There have been a lot of ups in the slick left handers career, and he has a great mindset going into his final season.
Developing through your collegiate career, you are bound to develop new skills and improve your craft in many different ways. Since freshman year, Hunniford has endured many changes, this is what he said about them,
“For me, my role on the team has changed. On the field, when I was younger I was a lead off hitter /fast guy who made good contact and got on base often. Now, while I believe to still maintain those skills, I’ve gotten much stronger and more importantly smarter where I can assume the role of a 3,4,5 hitter. As well as my role off the field, I’ve grown to show that I have leadership qualities and that has been noticed by our new but also old staff. I believe I would be in the same position I am right now if the staff did not change. Now, I am relied upon to glue teammates together, motivate men, and set examples where when I was younger I was just another player.”
Drew most definitely is setting a good example for the younger players. Sophomore Colin Woulfe, believes Hunniford’s leadership role has caught the attention of the whole team.
“The way Drew goes about his business is admirable. You can tell there’s intent with everything he does.”
Hunniford is also lined up to hit in the heart of this very talented SXU baseball team, one that he believes can be very special.
“On the field, you should expect a pretty solid year, If i can stay free from injuries. Statistically, I have improved every year playing here. But more importantly I feel more comfortable and confident with each year so that is a major contributing factor. As a team there is not a doubt in my mind that we should dominate our conference, and see what can happen in the postseason. My personal goal is to be first team all conference or even better.”
There is absolutely zero doubt in any of the Cougars minds that this season can be very special.