Dee-Mack’s Kraft, Brimfield/Elmwood’s Schatsiek win CSM Spring Athletes of the Week

After a week where many Central Illinois high schools’ best athletes strutted their stuff, two small-school sluggers on the diamond brought home lots of runs, as well as CSM Spring Athlete of the Week honors.

Byrkleigh Kraft of Dee-Mack softball won CSM Girls Athlete of the Week, becoming the first area athlete to win the honor in two separate years, while Kaeden Schatsiek of Brimfield/Elmwood baseball came away with CSM Boys Athlete of the Week, helping the Indians sustain a win streak. Kraft had several big games at the plate to lead the Chiefs to a trio of wins, including one over conference powerhouse LeRoy while Schatsiek, likewise, was productive with a bat in his hands, playing a big role in Brimfield/Elmwood picking up four sizable wins.

Read more details about our winners and get to know them in Q and A’s below:

Kraft won CSM Girls Athlete of the Week after receiving 38 percent of the votes in the girls poll. The Chiefs’ slugger led her team to three wins in four games by going a combined 9-for-13 at the plate with nine RBIs and two home runs. Kraft had hits in all three of her at bats plus an RBI in an 8-5 win over LeRoy on April 23 that put Dee-Mack in position to tie for the Heart of Illinois Conference title. She was a home run shy of hitting for the cycle and added three RBIs in a 10-6 conference win over Heyworth on April 21, hit a pair of round-trippers in a 10-6 loss to Midwest Central on April 24 and drove in a run via a triple in a 4-1 win over Fisher on April 25. To date, Kraft is hitting .591 on the season with 39 hits, 25 RBIs, 11 doubles and three home runs for Dee-Mack’s 12-7 squad.

Get to know Kraft in a Q and A here:

What’s been your favorite memory of the season so far?

“Tying [for the Heart of Illinois Conference title] with Tri-Valley as we have not accomplished this in a long time.”

If you had to be stranded on an island with a teammate, who would it be and why?

“Our pitcher Kenzie Knowles, we are basically the same person and do everything today as it is.”

Favorite music artist?

“Drake.”

Favorite food?

“Fruit.”

Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?

“Same hair style, pony tail with bubbles.”

Who’s your favorite college or professional athlete?

“Jordy Bahl.”

Do you have any hidden talents?

“No.”

Who’s your role model and why?

“My dad because I aspire to be the person he is to you and your family. He’s hardworking and has a passion for all he does.  His love and support is something you hope to have always!!”

Schatsiek won CSM Boys Athlete of the Week after receiving 44 percent of the votes in the boys poll. The junior, who’s committed to Northern Illinois, has been the biggest bat in a loaded Brimfield/Elmwood lineup and drove in 13 runs over the course of four Indians victories. His biggest outing during the one-week span came on April 26 against Sciota West Prairie where he went 3-for-4 with a home run and six RBIs. Schatsiek also supplied an RBI double in a 17-0 win over South Fulton, a two-run single in a 12-2 triumph over Annawan/Wethersfield and four RBIs plus a home run in a 12-5 win over ROWVA/Williamsfield. Schatsiek leads Brimfield/Elmwood with a .436 batting average, 34 hits, 43 RBIs, 10 doubles and five home runs.

Get to know Schatsiek in a Q and A here:

What’s been your favorite memory of the season so far?

“Favorite memory so far this season is probably getting back on the mound after a few months.”

If you had to be stranded on an island with a teammate, who would it be and why?

“I would have to choose Cleveland Bizosky because he’s my throwing partner and you can never abandon a throwing partner.”

Favorite music artist?

“Favorite music artist is Kanye West.”

Favorite food?

“Favorite food is Culver’s cheeseburgers.”

Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?

“I don’t have any specific pregame rituals or routines.”

Do you have any hidden talents?

“Juggling.”

Who’s your role model and why?

“My role model will have to be my dad because he motivates me to be the best I can and pushes me everyday whether it be in sports or just an everyday activity.”