Page 50 April 2015 By Nicholas Smith Josh Arndt can see his baseball career at Arcadia winding to a close. The Titan third baseman is playing in his senior season, with a collegiate career at Cornell waiting for him in the fall. But before he heads east, he is hoping to go out as a winner. “We want to win the state championship,” said Arndt. “We have a more experienced team than we did last year and I think we have some good opportunities for growth this season.” Arndt has been playing baseball for nearly his whole life. He played the sport, along with basketball and football, while in elementary and junior high school. Arndt credits his dad, who played baseball at a junior college in California, for sparking his interest in the game. “I remember when I was really little,” said Arndt. “My dad was the driving force in getting me out to play and practice. Now I feel like it’s come full circle and I’m the one dragging him out to throw me batting practice.” When he started his freshman year at Arcadia, Arndt played all three sports for the school. But youth sports are different than they were years ago and young athletes are pushed to focus on one sport earlier than they have been in the past. “So many sports are year-around now,” said Arndt. “They have showcases during the offseason for football and baseball, so you want to attend those if you want to play in college. It’s just hard to juggle multiple sports.” Basketball was cut after freshman year, and football finished after his sophomore year. He chose baseball, he said, because he thought it gave him a good chance at playing in college. He also loves the unique aspects of the game. “In baseball, if you fail seven out of 10 times, you can [still] be a hall of famer,” said Arndt. “No other sport deals with failure so much and I think it brings about a mental toughness.” A state title may be the goal, but Arndt is also hoping to enjoy the ride during his final spring at Arcadia. It is already different, because without playing two other sports, he will get to spend some quality time with the family. His brother Mitchell, a junior varsity player, has been called up for some tournament games on varsity. “It’s been really cool,” said Arndt. “We have a good relationship and it’s been fun driving to games with him. I know I can always get an honest opinion from him.” Mitchell can play a variety of positions on the diamond, but Arndt thinks he will end up in a familiar spot on varsity: third base, the spot Josh has held down for the last few seasons. “I think he’s going to be real good,” said Arndt. “He may get to take my spot at some point when I’m gone. That would be cool.” Outgoing Arcadia High senior, Josh Arndt recently signed signed his commitment to play baseball at Cornell University. PLAN YOUR SUMMER NOW & Keep your kids active! 4 SPORTS CAMP LOCATIONS MAY 26 - AUGUST 7 learn the skills to play basketball, soccer, baseball, swimming, archery, volleyball & fi eld sports all in one camp! 1 week sessions · Full & Half day · Extended Care · Ages 4½ -13 HUBBARDSPORTS.COM 602.971.4044 Third baseman determined to finish career strong