Schalk doing it all for Wheaton North
Ever since he first put on a Wheaton North uniform, Jeff Schalk has been immensely valuable.
This season he means more than ever to the Falcons.
The University of Alabama-Birmingham recruit, who has been eyed by several pro baseball scouts this spring, remains perhaps the most-feared hitter in DuPage County. As a senior, however, he’s adding contributions in multiple ways.
“He can play a lot of different positions, he runs real well, he has a good arm,” said Falcons coach Dan Schoessling. “There are a lot of things he can do on the field.”
While Schalk has spent the bulk of his varsity time playing first base or in the outfield, this season he’s added both sides of the battery. He’s developed into a DuPage Valley Conference pitcher and he’s also been catching for the Falcons, a positional move that hearkens back to his younger days of playing.
Between Schalk’s ability to play many positions and his mainstay status as the three hitter in Wheaton North’s batting order, his talent truly is shining this season.
“With him on the mound for us now, it’s hard for us to get him behind the plate,” Schoessling said. “He played catcher quite a bit when he was younger. We’re still trying to figure things out and get our best lineup on the field.”
Strong start:With no seniors on the roster, Metea Valley still has managed to hit the ground running in its first varsity season.The Mustangs improved to 7-3 with Thursday#146;s 6-5 eight-inning Upstate Eight Conference win over Lake Park, a stunning victory resulting from a 3-run burst in the bottom of the eighth. #147;It was the first time we#146;ve faced adversity and we#146;ve overcome it,#148; said Metea Valley coach Craig Tomczak. #147;We#146;re starting to build that confidence.#148;Tomczak says his three most consistent hitters have been Ryan Solomon, Kenny Obendorf and Andrew Fox, while Tom Bolle, Clayton Gonzalez and sophomore closer Matt Karlins have helped the young pitching staff develop.While the process of getting up to varsity speed hasn#146;t been completely smooth, it#146;s been surprisingly successful.#147;We know we haven#146;t played our best game, and I think it#146;s the lack of varsity experience,#148; Tomczak said. #147;As long as we keep progressing, that#146;s what I#146;m looking for.#148; Prowling Panthers:Glenbard North couldn#146;t have asked for a better start to the DuPage Valley Conference marathon.The Panthers began league play with a three-game sweep of Naperville North and improved to 4-0 in the DVC with an impressive series-opening win over Wheaton North.A quick start is critical as Glenbard North seeks to dethrone Naperville Central, the DVC#146;s defending champion.#147;We#146;re definitely off to a good start,#148; said Panthers coach Rich Smelko. #147;We#146;re returning a lot of guys, so we#146;re experienced. I definitely think that has a big impact on how we#146;re playing.#148;The heart of a potent lineup returned this season, headed by Jake Kline, Brandon Clark and Evin Natick. Pitcher Andrew Bergmann, who improved to 5-0 with Thursday#146;s win over Wheaton North, is back as the staff ace and is complemented by experienced arms in Nick Pirok and Will Petrosky.With so many innings and so much talent returning, it#146;s no wonder the Panthers have emerged as a DVC favorite. #147;We#146;ve got a good group of seniors, and that#146;s been big for us,#148; Smelko said. #147;Regardless of who you#146;re playing it#146;s nice to get off to a good start and build some confidence in yourself.#148;