Over a span of 30 years, Skip Hudgins has seen 46 Western baseball players go on to play in college. Now he can add another: Steven Mangrum.

Steven plays first and third base for the Warriors. As a sophomore, he contributed by leading the team in batting average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage. His explosive batting has granted him the ability to earn a spot on the Virginia Tech team.

It’s not easy to lead your team in batting in the first three categories on the stat sheet. It requires strength and training, things Steven is no stranger to. During the offseason he trains by doing, “Anything to stay in shape,” mainly weight-lifting. His outstanding strength might explain the two home runs he slammed over the fence last year.

As a sophomore, Steven was given the first ever “Silver Slugger Award”, and received Second Team All District honors. Now a Junior, his goals for the coming season are, “Hopefully winning districts, and going to states.”