This story was written by CHHS Journalism student Julianna Sheridan.
Patsel’s positivity and participation lead him to success
After years of hard work, dedication and perseverance, Noah Patsel, 11, won the FCA Youth Athlete Of The Year award.
The person who wins FCA Youth Athlete of the Year award should embody four core values.
“I was asked to nominate one student athlete who best exemplifies what it means and who exhibits our four core values: teamwork, serving, excellence and integrity,” said Mr. Tracy Boyd, science teacher and huddle leader of CHHS FCA. “Without hesitation, I nominated Noah. Our local FCA character coach also nominated him.”
Keeping secrets from family and friends is not ideal. Pastel knew he received the award before anyone else knew. He knew he had to keep it a surprise for his family and friends so they would excited when his name was announced at the banquet.
“I knew two weeks before that I was going to get the award, but I had to keep it a secret from everyone, including my parents,” said Patsel. “I was just very thrilled and excited because I felt like I had worked for this. I worked to be recognized for something like this.”
Patsel’s family and peers were excited for him but not surprised he won. They believe he has always shown good sportsmanship and stood strong on his faith.
“We thank God for giving Noah the opportunity to be recognized among his peers for His glory,” said Mr. David Patsel, Noah's father.
Patsel has been playing baseball since he was 4 years old. He followed in his father’s and older brother’s footsteps by deciding to play baseball.
“I started because of my dad and my brother, but I stayed because I love the game,” said Patsel. “It's very challenging at times, but I power through. I know I have worked too hard to give up.”
Baseball hasn’t always come easily to Patsel. He has faced many mental and physical challenges that he has worked to overcome.
Before every game, Patsel has a few tricks he believes help him perform better.
“I like to lay down in the infield, head to the sky, and visualize what I'm going to do in the game coming up and listen to R&B,” said Patsel. “I do not drink any energy drinks because then I will have too much energy. As a team, we all go into left field and pray before every game.”
Being considered a good athlete requires more than physical strength. Having a good mentality is key to being able to perform the best way possible.
“Noah adapts well to his environment,” said Mr. Patsel. “He can relate and makes friends with everyone. He is kind, smart and thoughtful. He has a great sense of humor, and like we said earlier, he is well rounded.”
The same wellrounded nature carries onto the field where Patsel shows the versatility and drive that have been his keys to success.
“Noah contributed with the bat a lot last year, finishing the season with the following stats:(54 PA) 40 AB, .325 AVG, .500 OBP, .925 OPS, .425 SLG - 13 H, 10 1B, 2 2B, 1 3B, 9 RBI,, 14 R, 11 BB,” said Mr. Brennan Hoffer, CHMS assistant principal and head varsity baseball coach. “I expect him to take a bigger stride with the bat this season and hopefully come on strong defensively this year.”
Patsel excels not only on the field, but also in the classroom and on the guitar. He has a strong passion for music; he sings and plays the guitar.
Balancing all Patsel does isn't easy. He does his best to prioritize what is most important but still occasionally struggles with time management.
“Sometimes it's hard to balance everything. I really just try to prioritize what comes first,” said Patsel. “Singing and music come easy to me, so I don't have to put that much effort into it like I do with baseball or school.”
Being a student-athlete comes with many struggles and responsibilities. Patsel has managed to juggle it all while still standing strong on his faith. This commitment says a lot about his character and why he deserved to win this award.
“Noah is a hard-working, diligent player that cares very much about his faith, family, teammates, and baseball,” said Mr. Hoffer.