There’s a lot to be said for a player who can get on base in the game of baseball. There is even more to be said for a player that has a .392 batting average and a .464 on-base percentage.

    Dylan Okenfuss is the shortstop for varsity baseball. He is going into his third year on varsity and his third year starting. Last year Okenfuss led the team in hits (29), singles (22), doubles (7), and stolen bases (7). To go along with these team leading categories he was third on the team in batting average, on-base percentage, RBIs (11), and slugging percentage (.486). This great year allowed Okenfuss to be named to the Suburban West all-conference team.

    “Being all-conference was a great accomplishment but the team did not do so well so it did not really matter to me as much,” said Okenfuss.

   Okenfuss is the only returning all-conference player on the Panthers’ roster but that does not give any added pressure.

    For a player who has the personal attributes that Okenfuss has, he is the definition of a team player.

    “I try not to look at personal stats and I don’t really get caught up in them,” said Okenfuss, “I also try to do my best when the team needs something extra in pressure situations.”

    Like most veteran players do, Okenfuss is one of the leaders on the varsity team. He does this by leading by example and putting in extra work every day. This work has not gone unnoticed.

    “Dylan is not a vocal guy,” said Coach Tim Ode, “He really leads by example. I don’t think I have had a guy since I have started coaching at Mehlville who puts in the extra work that Dylan does on a daily basis.”

    Another way Okenfuss shows leadership is by always doing what is best for the team, even if it means giving up personal stats for the good of the team.

    “For the last couple years Dylan has been our number two hitter,” said Ode, “This role means moving runners over and means it can’t be all about the statistics and he knows he needs to do the little things to help the team win.”

    Coach Ode recognized Okenfuss’ talent as a freshman and instantly knew he would be utilizing Dylan on varsity early in his high school career.

    “When he was a freshman it was pretty easy to see that he was one of the more talented players,” said Ode, “He played a very high level of Summer ball and his dedication to the game was also very high.”

    Okenfuss does not plan on ending his baseball career in high school. He has signed with Lewis and Clark Community College and plans on playing for a four year university after he is finished with junior college.