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Featured Athlete of the Week: Daniel Huffman, Baseball North Putnam High School
Daniel Huffman of North Putnam High School is this week's Banner Graphic Athlete of the Week. Huffman classified himself as a junior after enrolling at North Putnam. He was homeschooled previously. His parents are Robert and Melissa Huffman and he is the fourth oldest of 13 children. He is undecided on his future plans, saying he could go anywhere from sports medicine to architecture. He enjoys hunting, archery and working in carpentry.
Banner Graphic: Why did you decide to come to North Putnam and why did you choose to play sports?
Daniel Huffman: I was homeschooled until my junior year in high school and have always desired to have a chance to be able to play sports in a competitive environment with athletes of my same age group, and especially baseball, but due to parental decisions I didn't get the chance participate in the sports of my choice, but at the end of my sophomore year my parents enrolled me at North Putnam and I was able to play on the baseball team.
BG: What made you decide to play baseball and how do you like it?
DH: My reason for coming to North Putnam was to participate in baseball, but my hunger for the chance to compete led to playing football and basketball, and now I'm attempting to play baseball and run track when it does not conflict with baseball games, but anything that gives me the chance to compete is welcomed by me, and I desire to become the best athlete possible in the time that I have.
BG: How did you get started playing baseball?
DH: I've always had a glove and played catch in the back yard with my dad from as long as I can remember and have always cheered on the St. Louis Cardinals.
BG: What has the learning and experience been like?
DH: The experience has been challenging mentality and physically and I think the greatest benefit for me has been playing multiple sports because it has allowed me to be put in pressure situations throughout the year, which has only helped me become a better athlete.
BG: How do you like track and how hard is it to be a dual spring athlete?
DH: I enjoy being a dual sport athlete and having the opportunity to better myself even more as an athlete. I feel that I have to catch up with the kids that have been playing sports in a competitive environment all their lives, so I figure there's no better way than to put myself in as many competitive situations as possible. Being a dual sport athlete is very time consuming and can be tiring at times, but I want to become the best athlete I can be.
BG: What are your athletic goals?
DH: I'm working hard with the goal of playing a college sport, of which I am undecided on.
BG: What is your overall take on your high school experience?
DH: The experience of being in high school has definitely had its pros and cons. I've met a lot of new friends and not only enjoy the competitive opportunities on the field, but also in the classroom. So far it's been a success and I look forward to next year as well.