Page 66 April 2014 ARCADIA SPORTS Third base holds challenges player enjoys By Nicholas Smith It’s called the hot corner for a reason. Third base is one of baseball’s most difficult positions, as it requires lightning fast reflexes to handle the screaming line drives roaring down the left side of the infield. But that’s the way junior Josh Arndt likes it. “I’ve always loved that part of the position,” Arndt said. “The ball gets up on you so quick, so you don’t even have time to think. You just react.” Arndt grew up in the Arcadia area and has been playing baseball for as long as he can remember. His father played the game, rising as high as junior college ball. “I’ve been playing since I was 4 or 5 and I’ve always loved it,” he said. “My dad inspired me to play and I’ve never gotten tired of it.” He always played the i n f i e l d , spending a decent amount of time at shortstop before finally settling at third base. When he our swim programs are internationally-recognized stop in and find out why! FREE BABY SPLASH 8 wks - 5 mos LITTLE SNAPPERS 6 mos - 35 mos GROUP LESSONS 3 yrs - 12 yrs SPLASH, PLAY & LEARN the Hubbard way! HUBBARDSWIM.COM 602.971.4044 reached his freshman year at Arcadia High School, Arndt played for the junior varsity team but also got called up to varsity for multiple games and the entire playoffs. He started at third for the varsity team as a sophomore and that’s where he’s been ever since. This year’s team is retooling in some ways, as they have only one returning senior. But their goals are sky high regardless. “You might laugh but I’d like to win a state championship,” Arndt said. “I know we lost a bunch of guys from last year but I think a state title is absolutely possible if we play up to our potential.” Arndt is looking forward to hopefully playing baseball in college, preferably out of state. “I’m ready to get out into the world and see things,” he remarked. He has considered going to school for engineering and is hopeful that his baseball skills could take him to a good academic school. He is also looking forward to the challenge of honing the skills needed to compete at the next level. “I’ve talked with some college guys on the kind of pitches they face,” he remarked. “They said the big difference is that college players have much better command of their breaking stuff. They can put it where they want to put it.” The pitches may be tougher but Arndt’s enjoyment of the game is sure to remain the same. “Coming up in the clutch for the team is my favorite part of the game,” he noted. By Tina Tombs One of the most frequently asked questions I hear from my students is: “How can I create more power in my golf swing?” The power in your swing starts from the ground up. Yes, you have to grip the club with your hands and swing the club with your body, but your feet on the ground provide the power you need to hit the golf ball a long way. Your feet provide the stability for your arms to create motion. If you really want to feel this force, try hitting golf balls with your feet close together. You’ll be able to hit the ball with a lot of power because your arms will be able to swing fast around your body. Then as you widen out your golf stance, flex your knees and you’ll find that the power increases. All good athletes make a powerful move when they strike a baseball, throw a football, or hit a tennis shot. At impact (the moment of truth in golf) the majority of power will be from the front leg as your foot plants solidly on the ground and the arms swing the golf club. The same sequence happens when throwing a baseball. So practice with your feet together to feel the real power of your golf swing, from the ground up! I believe that every student is unique with his/her own Bio Mechanics. Each has his/her own desires and limitations. I also believe the potential of each student is unlimited. Tina Tombs is the Director of Instruction at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club and an LPGA Tour Professional. You can contact her at Tina@tinatombsgolf.com. Create more power in your golf swing Josh Arndt Josh Arndt: “When you get that hit, it’s a very rewarding feeling.” Contact Neil or Craig today for your friendly neighborhood discount. LOYD WRIGHT BLVD. • SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260 ) 778-2200 7875 E. FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BLVD. • SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260 (480) 778-2440 WEST OF THE 101 ON FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BLVD IN NORTH SCOTTSDALE YOU WON’T GO WRONG AT... Germundson Fleet Manager 25 Years ars at Right Toyota righttoyota.com Craig Thorpe Honda Fleet Manager 17 Years 9 Years at Right Honda cthorpe@righthonda.com 7875 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. Scottsdale AZ 85260 480-778-2440 Craig Thorpe Honda Fleet Manager CThorpe@RightHonda.com Contact Craig today for your friendly neighborhood discount! Contact Neil or Craig today for your friendly neighborhood discount. 7701 E. FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BLVD. • SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260 (480) 778-2200 7875 E. FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BLVD. • SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85260 (480) 778-2440 ONE MILE WEST OF THE 101 ON FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT BLVD IN NORTH SCOTTSDALE YOU WON’T GO WRONG AT... Neil Germundson Toyota Fleet Manager 25 Years 11 Years at Right Toyota neilg@righttoyota.com Craig Thorpe Honda Fleet Manager 17 Years 9 Years at Right Honda cthorpe@righthonda.com Neil Germundson Toyota Fleet Manager NeilG@RightToyota.com 7701 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. Scottsdale AZ 85260 480-778-2200 NeilG@RightToyota.com 480-778-2200 Contact Neil today for your friendly neighborhood discount! Proudly serving Arcadia as ONE of ONLY 2 Valley Honda Dealers to achieve this award! April showers bring May flowers... AND THE NEW TUNDRA WILL HAUL THEM HOME!!