Athlete of the Week: Wyatt Wiatrek

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Everybody wants an opportunity. What do you do when that opportunity comes calling? UTRGV’s Wyatt Wiatrek’s response go 6-0.

“Just playing for this team, playing for the guys, and that's it," said Wyatt Wiatrek, UTRGV Junior Pitcher. I try to keep it that way, just let us win. Just keep us in it so we can win. And that's it. I mean, don't try to play for myself. Just play for these guys right here. That's it.”

The junior endured rough times before breaking through. Last season, he only pitched 18 innings. Last summer, he put in the work. The growth is noticeable.

“Fastball command has been outstanding,” said Derek Matlock, UTRGV Baseball Coach. “His fastball doesn't get hit much when he commands it, and he's got a great split. He's just a competitive kid, too. He loves baseball in the big moment, and that's the kind of kid you want.

Wyatt is proving his coach right. The Sinton native is one of the top strikeout leaders on the team.

“Just attacking, I think one big thing is getting ahead in counts,” said Wiatrek. “That's big for getting strikeouts and stuff, and just commanding your stuff, just putting your stuff in there.”

Wiatrek’s stellar performances on the mound kept UTRGV in the hunt for a Southland title. The Vaqueros are currently sitting third in the conference.

“Whatever we've got to do to win this, to win this whole thing,” said Wiatrek. “I mean, win a conference championship, win a conference tournament, get into a regional, whatever, I've got to do just help this team win, that’s what I’m going to do.”

Wyatt won a state championship in high school, but believes his proudest moment is yet to come. So does UTRGV.