Austin Goodyke of Calvin Christian will enter 2011 as the ace of the staff – a position he has held since his sophomore year.

A career record of 19-6 with 11 complete games tells the story of this top pitcher who in 2009 led Calvin Christian to the MHSAA State Quarterfinals. Goodyke threw 8 2/3 innings in that 9 inning loss. He helped get the Squires there as the winning pitcher in both the District and the Regional Finals.

Combined over his Sophomore and Junior seasons, Goodyke has a 2.60 ERA and 140 strikeouts in 120 innings.

For his performance, Goodyke was named All-Conference, All-District, All-Region and All-Area in both years.

“Austin has been the workhorse of our staff over the past couple of years and he’s the guy you want on the mound when everything is on the line” says Calvin Christian head coach Andrew Bishop.

“He has great command of all three pitches and knows how to rise to the occasion when you need a big play” continued Bishop. “Austin has always been naturally gifted and a talented individual, however, I believe that it is his work ethic and determination that sets him apart from other athletes. I again have high expectations for Austin in 2011 as he tries to find a way to lead his team into another tournament run next year.”

A top ten student at Calvin Christian with a 3.98 GPA, Goodyke will get plenty of opportunities at the next level to continue his education and to play baseball.

“I have watched Austin develop into a dominate force on the mound” says head pitching trainer (and co-owner) Mike Paul of Elite Baseball.

“He is long, tall and athletic. He has command of three pitches and attacks the strike zone. He has a project-able body and I believe he will a solid collegiate pitcher”.

Goodyke had a great year at the plate in 2010 as well, hitting .361 with an On-Base% of .466 and Slugging .541.

Goodyke excels in football and basketball and is being recruited as a quarterback, where he was All-Conference. But, we expect him to play baseball in college.

A long-time summer ball player for Elite Baseball, Goodyke pitched and played outfield for Coach Dane Wysocki (of Forest Hills Northern) for the last few years.

“Austin is one of those very good multi-sport athletes who can compete no matter what sport he plays. He has historically pitched for Elite in the summer, but has played outfield as well” says Wysocki.

“He has a good fastball, and an excellent change-up/curve and very good command of the strike zone. I have seen him develop over the years into a strong pitcher, who also demonstrates some surprising power at the plate. Austin has the demeanor and attitude to take the mound in pressure packed situations and excel. I look forward to his continued success in the future”.

Goodyke also joined the District 9 Big League All-Star Team for the Big League World Series at the end of the 2010 summer and got the win in the Semi-Final Game, throwing a complete game 2-hitter.

He has been getting lots of contact from schools of all sizes including IPFW, Creighton University, Western University, Davenport University, Hope College, Calvin College, Wabash College, Huntington University and Dordt College.

We look forward to seeing where Austin Goodyke decides to continue his career!