Blocks and Bases

For most high school athletes, one sport is demanding enough. However, senior Deacon Lewis isn’t most athletes. He is determined to juggle both track and baseball this spring season. Between practices, games, meets, and keeping up with school work, Lewis works to balance this opportunity and make the most of his final high school season before heading off to play college baseball at Vincennes University.

‘It’s rough to balance everything” he admits. “…but it’s good to make a schedule and communicate with the coaches.”

To Lewis, prioritizing is key. Since he plans on continuing baseball in college, it takes the top spot. If there is ever a conflict between a game and a meet, he chooses baseball. Still, he stays involved in track, by fitting in at least one practice a week and goes on 2-mile runs to keep up his stamina for the 400-meter dash.

A typical week for Lewis involves detailed planning and communication. He begins the week by deciding what games, meets, and practices he will attend. To make it work, Lewis usually heads to track practice first and joins baseball after.

“If I need to practice for track and have a home game, I go to track practice before batting practices.”

Away games mean no track practice, while meet days are reserved solely for track. Between events, he fits in plenty of recovery through ice baths, salt baths, and even drinking pickle juice.

The physical toll of two varsity sports is tough, but it has its rewards. Track has improved his speed and range on the baseball field and baseball has strengthened his mental resilience. What keeps him going is his love for both sports, the support of his teammates and coaches and the memory of Mason Alexander inspiring him to continue running.

Despite the challenges and hectic schedule, Lewis stays committed because of his drive to push himself to do what few others can.

“If I wished I had more time to focus on one, I would only do one,” Lewis says. “I love both sports.”