Pacific Athletes of the Week: May 3, 2012
Donald Ross
Nile C. Kinnick baseball
Last week — Played a key role at the plate and on the mound as the Red Devils swept a three-game weekend series at Robert D. Edgren. Including a home doubleheader sweep of Yokota on Tuesday, the Red Devils have won 10 of their last 12 games, with players named Ross, including younger brother Daniel, leading the charge.
Donald Ross, a senior who has been accepted to the Navy Academy prep school, went 8-for-9 with three doubles, three home runs and 15 RBIs and pitched in all three games at Misawa Air Base, going six innings and allowing just five hits, two walks, one earned run while striking out 14 as Kinnick swept Edgren 8-2, 12-4 and 5-3.
“Donald makes an impact regardless of the situation,” coach Michael Valenzuela said of Ross, who has played baseball most of his life. “He is talented and a student of the game. He has the ability to change the momentum of a game with one swing or one quick pick-off or one quick pitch. He has developed into a leader on the field with a tremendous understanding of the game.”
Esther Kim
Seoul American swimming
Last week — Was voted girls Swimmer of the Meet in the 2012 Korean-American Interscholastic Activities Conference league championship meet at Yongsan International School-Seoul, where Kim’s Falcons captured the girls team title.
Kim, a freshman, smashed school records in three individual events, taking gold in the 100- and 200-meter individual medleys and the 100-meter backstroke. She also played a key role in the Falcons’ winning both girls relay events. Of all the swimmers at the meet, she was the only one to win gold medals in all five of her events.
“Esther is truly going to be a force in KAIAC swimming over the next several years,” coach Michael Schmidt said. “She enjoys the sport, which I feel allows her to continue to improve, and she sets goals for herself. We’ll be seeing a lot more of Esther in the future. She’s an amazing talent.”
