By Derrick Smith

Athletes like Cale Nelson invest a lot of time and energy in order to be the best that they can be when they step onto the field or court. And while personal work is important, Cale has found another way to improve his game.

“It has taken a lot of hard work to get where I am,” he said. “Also, being consistent in practicing and developing skills and having a supportive team, coach, and parents. There are a few things that keep me motivated but one of the main ones is that I want to be the best I can be for my team. I have a teammate that I battle from a hitting perspective. Cy and I are both in constant competition to be the best hitter on the team. I think that the competition helps both of us sharpen our skills and be the best we can be.”

Cale is a senior at Vici High School where he plays baseball and basketball for the Indians. He is also involved with several groups outside of sports including the National Honor Society and the Future Farmers of America organization. He and his baseball teammates also help around the community.

“I am a part of Indians Helping Indians,” he said. “That is where our baseball team helps organize our school’s angel tree and deliver the gifts to families in need. Our baseball team also volunteers to read to classes during Read Across America week and volunteers to help spruce up the playground in the summer.”

Over the span of his career, Cale says that he has had a few people that have had a major influence on his life.
“I have had a lot of people to look up to as role models,” he said. “My dad was a successful baseball coach during my youth. But some of the most influential people in my life now are  coach Webb, my dad, and a few of the players my dad coached.”