Athlete of the Week – Aiden Kuhle – March 29, 2018

Photo+Credit%3A++Mr.+Daniel+Burke

Photo Credit: Mr. Daniel Burke

With three games in the books, this week’s Athlete of the Week, Junior Aiden Kuhle, has provided a spark as the Baseball program focuses on a TCIS championship and another deep run into the State tournament after last season’s State Semi-Final finish left the Dolphins eager for more.

Since arriving on Cape Henry’s campus, Aiden has proven to be a quiet leader on and off the field for the Dolphin Baseball program.

“Aiden brings a great attitude and is willing to do whatever is needed to make the team stronger,” Head Coach Tim Hummel said. “He has gladly accepted the challenge to play outfield this season even though he has not experienced this position before. The willingness to step out of his comfort zone for the benefit of the program has set a great example for our younger players.”

Battling illness and injury for the past two seasons has not deterred Aiden’s work ethic and drive to become a better player on the field. These intangibles and the program’s expectations have pushed Aiden to become a force on the mound, as well as, at the plate and while Aiden’s future is bright, he has proven he is willing and able to execute in the present.

Battling a perennial State Championship caliber program in the Miller School last week, Aiden stepped up at the opportune moment. “Aiden came in to pitch in a big jam; bases were loaded and their best hitter was set to come up. He was able to strike him out on 4 pitches to completely thwart the shifting momentum,” Coach Hummel continued. “He struck out all but one batter he faced the rest of the game, totaling six strikeouts in 2.1 innings pitched.”

Aiden, on top of the exceptional outing on the mound, contributed at the plate, tallying two hits in four at-bats while picking up an RBI in the process. Kuhle is currently batting .364 with an on-base percentage of .417. He is tied for first in doubles and second in total hits for the Dolphins. On the mound, Aiden boasts a 2.86 ERA, with 15 strikeouts across 7.1 innings pitched.

“It is still early in the season, but we expect more production batting, as well as on the mound, this year compared to last,” Coach Hummel finished. Entering a taxing stretch of 12 games across 20 days– with five straight set to begin Tuesday– the Dolphins will rely heavily on the success of the Junior as he continues to lead a successful Cape Henry Baseball program to the ultimate goal of a TCIS Championship and State Tournament berth.