ROCKINGHAM — Following an MVP-caliber performance over spring break, senior baseball player Colin Wheeler has been named the Official Richmond County Male Athlete of the Week presented by HWY 55.
The Richmond Raiders swept their competition at the Terry Sanford Easter Invitational and defeated familiar foe Pinecrest High School in the championship game.
Wheeler pitched the championship game and caught the other two games in the tournament, while also providing offense at the plate. A three-year varsity starter, this is Wheeler’s second career recognition.
Athletic Profile
Age: 18
Birthday: Aug. 23, 2003
Year: Senior
Spring Sport: Baseball
Position: Catcher/Pitcher
Years on Varsity: 3 years
Experience: 12 years
“TOURNAMENT MVP” WITH COLIN WHEELER
Richmond defeated South View, Terry Sanford and Pinecrest to clinch this year’s edition of the Bulldog Easter Invitational. Following the win over the Patriots, Wheeler was named as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
In a 9-3 win over the Tigers to kick off the tournament, Wheeler went 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs. As part of a five-run first inning, Wheeler lifted a sacrifice fly to plate teammate Alston Johnson.
Adding onto the Raiders’ lead in the top of the fourth inning, Wheeler hit a line drive RBI single to center field, scoring Cameron Way to make it an 8-1 lead. In the sixth during his final at-bat, Wheeler connected for another base knock.
Following a 4-1 win over Terry Sanford in the semifinals, Wheeler did damage at the plate and on the mound in the championship. The Raiders rolled past the Patriots 13-1, breaking the game open with five runs in the fourth and four more in the seventh.
Wheeler was handed the pitching responsibilities and dominated in a 6.1-inning performance. He nearly threw a complete game, but was relieved after reaching the pitch count.
Giving up just five hits, Wheeler limited the Patriots to one unearned run that was scored in the fourth. He finished the game with six strikeouts, walked two batters and retired Pinecrest in order in two separate innings.
At the plate, Wheeler was part of the five-run fourth inning. He connected on a two-RBI double down the left field line that made it a 6-0 lead, bringing in Way and Matthew Walker. He also drew two walks and scored a run in the win.
Through 18 games this season, Wheeler is batting .268, has two doubles and is tied with Walker and Way for the team lead with 11 RBIs. On the mound, he’s earned two wins, thrown 25.2 innings, has a 1.09 earned run average and has struck out 19 batters.
Richmond (13-5, 5-5 SAC) will resume Sandhills Athletic Conference action on Tuesday at rival Scotland High School (16-4, 8-2 SAC).
Senior Colin Wheeler throws a pitch during Richmond’s championship win over Pinecrest in the Terry Sanford Easter Invitational. (Kyle Pillar/The Richmond Observer)
RAPID RESPONSES WITH COLIN WHEELER
ROSports: What does being named the Easter Invitational MVP mean to you and how were you able to balance the responsibilities of pitching, catching and hitting?
Wheeler: “It means a lot, and I was quite surprised to find out I had been named the MVP. And I’m thankful and happy to get it. I think I caught some good games, but overall it was my pitching against Pinecrest that was the high point of the tournament. It was probably the best I’ve pitched.
“I love the game and I naturally find a way to balance everything. I’m still learning how to pitch, and do what I know how to do, which is throw strikes. What I work on most is my hitting.”
ROSports: What is the key for the Raiders to finish the season strong against Scotland and Lumberton this week and make the playoffs?
Wheeler: “We can win out if we keep the same energy we had at the Easter tournament. We were on fire, no one was in a bad mindset and we shook off mistakes and played defense. I think we play better together when we play with a high level of energy.
“The key is for us to also stay focused on Scotland. We don’t want to focus on the noise or anything negative. If we play ball as a team, and play the game we know how to play, I think we can win.”
ROSports: Who is your favorite MLB player and what would you want to learn from them if you could take a lesson?
Wheeler: “My favorite Major League player is Chipper Jones, even though he’s retired. I remember watching him play when I was a kid, and he seems to be a country boy that likes to hunt like me.
“He was a great hitter and defensive baseball player. I’d want to ask him for hitting tips and how he was able to remain consistent at a high level for such a long time.”
Note: The Richmond Observer will publish two more Official Richmond County Athletes of the Week next week.
