By Derrick Smith

High school sports are no strangers to rivalries. In fact, part of the fun of sports is going up against a team that you consider to be a rival and beating them. It just makes the win a little sweeter. Kyler Zagar knows that his school has a rival, but he says that for him a win is a win.

“When we are going up against a district opponent, it does not matter to me what team is in the other dugout,” he said. “I would prefer it be the team that is at the top of the district standings if that is not us.”

A sophomore at Perry High School, Zagar plays centerfield, first base, and pitcher as a member of the baseball team. He says that throughout his career he has enjoyed some great moments, but that there is one thing that he is most proud of. 

“For me, becoming a key player on the varsity baseball team has been the highlight so far,” he said. “Knowing that the work that I have put in is paying off is a great feeling. Over my career I have been dedicated to consistently putting in the work and being the best I can be.”

The head coach of the Perry Maroons baseball team, Ward Weston, says that this season could be a big one for Kyler. 

“I look for Kyler to have a breakout year for us this season,” coach Weston said. “Along with doing great things on the field, he is also active and a great kid off the field. He really is just an all-around great kid.”

For Kyler, there are a few people that he looks up to as role models for his life and that have helped him become the person and the athlete that he is today.

“My parents are big role models in my life,” he stated. “They have been there for me and have always supported me. The guys I play alongside also influence me because we spend so much time together. We work hard at practice and challenge each other to get better.”