By Ken Hansard

The first word ever spoken by Andover High senior Peyton White was “ball,” which seems fairy appropriate for the Trojans’ pitcher and third baseman. “My love for the game started at a really young age. I enjoy everything sports, not just baseball. College basketball and NFL games get me just as excited.”

It is understandable that, when asked about something he is looking forward to this season, White replied, “I’m really looking forward to the expanded schedule. Adding more games allows us to play more games out of league against teams we haven’t played before. I think the double header against Kapaun is especially exciting. I just know a lot of kids from Kapaun. We ended up knocking them out of the postseason last year, so I feel like that makes these games special.”

White feels that this year’s version of the team has a chance to compete for a league title, and hopefully for a regional championship and a berth at state. A fourth-year starter for the Trojans, White knows that he will have to assume an even larger role for Andover this season, “I see myself being a great leader for the underclassmen and new varsity players. A lot of kids that don’t normally throw will have to step up on the mound.”

Last season, White was named second team All-League (AVCTL Division II) at third base. White worked in the off-season to shore up some weaknesses, in hopes of an even stronger showing this year. “One thing that I struggled with last year was hitting the curve. I usually hit in the three or four hole, so many pitchers start with off speed stuff. I’ve worked towards being able to drive those pitches into gaps this year and not get down in the count immediately.”

White, who also competes in the pool for Andover during the winter months, plans to attend Kansas State after graduation.