2008 Woodie Awards
Outstanding sportsman, outstanding scholar
Aaron Castrejon
Issue date: 5/12/04 Section: Sports
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His childhood was like that of any boy.
Sports, especially baseball, were part of his daily schedule. His life was filled with spending time out in the field, smelling the leather of the glove, feeling the bat in his hand, running a full court press and hearing the announcement: "It's fourth down and goal."
"Baseball has been my favorite sport. I played football, basketball and baseball in high school, but I just wanted to play baseball in college," said Citrus College sophomore infielder Brett Shaw.
For him to say that baseball is his favorite sport is an understatement. This season in 29 games played he has scored 21 runs on 51 hits with a .411 batting average, 20 RBIs and an on base percentage of .524. He also plays 7 positions on the team, that's including all infield positions which is very unusual.
The Alto Loma native, who is graduating this semester, has received a sports scholarship to Concordia University in Irvine to play baseball. Eventually he wants to coach.
At Concordia, he plans to double major in physical education and theology.
"I want to learn all I can about the Bible," he said.
It would seem appropriate his role model would be a major sports figure, but no.
Rather his role models are his parents.
"It's because of them and Jesus Christ that make me what I am today," Shaw said.
His whole family-including his older brother Matt and younger sister Courtney-has been supportive of his choices, in sports, school or church, Shaw said.
This support shows through when he plays team sports.
"It takes all 25 guys on the team to have the same goal and work ethic to make a winning team," said Shaw. "You learn commitment, responsibility and definitely working with other people."
Commitment and responsibility are qualities Shaw also demonstrates in the classroom and in the real world.
"He was an honors student his freshman year," said Skip Claprood, associate dean of physical education, health and athletics. " This year he's an honors student with a 3.5 GPA while holding two part-time jobs."
"He's a quiet individual. He leads by example. "He doesn't lead vocally. He's absolutely one of the best kids I've seen in 17 years of coaching," Severns said.
Shaw said he is definitely looking toward a bright future.
"I'm going to Concordia University next fall to continue playing baseball on a scholarship and to get my degree. I'll just leave the rest of it up to God and trust the rest of my life with him."