A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Springdale’s Owen Scheuring

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, May 13, 2024 | 1:52 PM

As the regular season wound down, the Springdale baseball team was in the midst of fighting for a playoff spot in Section 2-A.

Senior shortstop Owen Scheuring said the team was focused on what it needed to accomplish to get in.

“We want to take care of our own business and guarantee ourselves a spot,” Scheuring said.

Scheuring’s motivation to make the playoffs was strong.

“I haven’t been in a playoff game in any of my sports at Springdale, be it baseball, basketball or football, other than my sophomore year, which I didn’t really have an impact back then,” he said. “John Hughes and I have been contributing so much to the program that we would just like to make the playoffs once.”

Whatever the result, Scheuring has made an impact for the Dynamos this season.

As of May 6, as the team’s leadoff hitter, he had a .250 batting average with a .400 on-base percentage, eight walks and 14 runs scored.

Scheuring gets a rush out of running the bases. He has stolen 11 bases and has yet to be caught.

“It’s an adrenaline rush. Coach Dante Mahlmeister trusts me enough that I don’t need to be given a sign. I have the green light to steal whenever I get a chance,” Scheuring said. “My job is to get to second or third and have guys like John Hughes drive me in.”

Added Mahlmeister: “Leadoff is a position where you have to have a certain mentality and be willing to sacrifice. He’s willing to do whatever it takes for the team.”

Scheuring took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:

How long have you been playing shortstop?

I’ve been playing short since first grade.

What do you like about the position?

I really like having control over the whole infield.

What’s the most difficult part of playing shortstop?

The pressure comes down on you because it is such a big position to play. The ball is hit to the left side a ton because you face more right-handed hitters. In big games, there could be a time where the game is in your hands.

Have you always been calm, even-keeled and confident or have you had to work at it?

Confidence is something you have to work at. I was once where a bunch of the freshmen we brought up this year are now. They’re in a big spot. They just have to take it all in and use their confidence to manifest that potential.

What have you been trying to instill in the younger players?

Really focusing their mindsets. They get bummed out quickly, like if they strike out or make an error in the field. They don’t know how many opportunities they have in a given game.

What were some of your goals this year?

Last year I didn’t hit very well, so I wanted to bat over .300 this season. I’ve also had a goal of keeping my fielding percentage above .800.

Who’s your favorite major league favorite player? Anyone you try to emulate?

It’s really entertaining to watch the way guys like Oneil Cruz and Elly De La Cruz of the Reds play the shortstop position. Just two young players striving to be great.

You won a stock market game in school. What was that like?

We were split up into teams, and neither of my teammates I won with are on the baseball team. I didn’t know much about the stock market. But that whole experience taught me the importance of teamwork, both on and off the field.

Do you think you have a better understanding of how it works?

Learning how the stocks worked was the biggest takeaway for me. Before, if someone asked me what the S&P 500 was, I had no clue. But to learn what things mean and to understand the charts that are involved, I feel I have a better understanding.

College plans?

I definitely want to go to college, but I’m still undecided on a school. I do know I want to play baseball wherever I go. I want to do a profession that has something with sports.

A piece of advice to leave your teammates upon graduating?

Bet on yourself. Have that confidence to know that you will do your best in any situation.

Tags: Springdale