For the past few years, Derek Nietering of Coopersville has quietly gone about the business of becoming one of the area’s best catchers.

His work behind the plate as a varsity catcher for the past two years earned him recognition as first team All-Conference in both his Sophomore and Junior seasons in the OK Blue.

He was named All-District last season as well.

Nietering put up some good numbers at the plate last season for the Broncos.

He hit a robust .391 with an On-Base% of .486 while he had a Slugging Average of .565 to help lead Coopersville.

This past summer was when Nietering really started to gain some attention.

Playing for the Around the Horn Stampede out of Kalamazoo, Nietering was named a USSSA 1st Team All-American and a member of the 2011 National Team.

Though he’s a top area wrestler – a District Champion and Regional/State Qualifier last year – Nietering plans to play baseball at the next level in the fall of 2011.

His strong Sophomore and Junior seasons, when combined with a big summer, will certainly have colleges looking his way.

Further, since switch-hitting catchers are always in demand, Nietering will find plenty of opportunities to play college baseball!