Reavis senior right fielder Blake Stefanek isn’t one to sit back and relax too much.
He plays four sports for the Rams — soccer, football, basketball and baseball — and also is a percussionist in the marching band.
But after an injury-plagued hoops season, Stefanek is simply enjoying his final days of prep sports.
Stefanek had three hits, including a double, two RBIs and a run on April 14 as host Reavis defeated Evergreen Park 18-8 in five innings in the South Suburban Red.
“I’ve had to sit out a couple times because I’m sore,” Stefanek said. “Today was our fourth game in a row, so I’m definitely feeling it a little bit. But I’m glad to be out here, and I want to enjoy the rest of my senior year.”
Seniors Parker Zasada (solo home run, three runs), Johnny Liesen (solo HR, three runs), Anthony Perez (two runs), Adrian Ortega (two runs, two stolen bases), Michael Mendez (four RBIs), Juan Avila (three RBIs) and Jose Gonzalez (two runs) all had productives days for the Rams.
Reavis had a 10-run fifth after Evergreen Park tied the game at 8 with a six-run fifth.
Senior Jose Rodriguez gave up two runs (one earned) on three hits and five walks with four strikeouts over four innings.
Stefanek broke his right hand days into practice in basketball, returned at Christmas and then broke his leg soon after. That ended his hoops season except for a ceremonial appearance to score a basket against Oak Lawn late in the year.
He’s still going to physical therapy and is always looking to strengthen his leg.
“The recovery has definitely taken a toll on my body,” Stefanek said. “I appreciate the coaches for letting me do this. As soon as I came back, they trusted me enough to put me back in the lineup.”
Stefanek’s multi-sport prowess in an era of specialization is particularly impressive, especially in the fall. He was a star midfielder on the soccer team and also handled kicking duties for the football team as well as performing with the marching band.
“It’s definitely a lot,” Stefanek said with a laugh. “Tuesday, Thursday, I’m playing soccer. Friday night, I’m playing football. Practices, I split time. I’m so grateful they’re flexible with me.”
Coach Kyle McKinley said Stefanek is a sports unicorn.
“You don’t get kids like Blake anymore,” McKinley said. “He’s a leader, both by example and with his words. He’d have been all-conference in all four sports if he didn’t get hurt. He’s unreal. It’s truly a pleasure to coach him.”
Stefanek will continue his athletic career as a kicker for Aurora University.
He’s hoping baseball can close strong, both in the South Suburban and in the state playoffs. Reavis came into this week 11-5 overall and first in the SSC Red at 6-0.
“We’re definitely reaching for that conference title,” Stefanek said. “We’re not looking past conference too much, but we want that regional championship, too.”
Sophomores Luis Ayala (two runs, RBI), Jake Bishop (two runs), Brady Bruen (double, two RBIs) and junior Cadyn Kummer (double, two hits, RBI) led EP.
“You know coming in there’d be games like this where we have some mental mistakes,” EP coach Andrew Massey said. “The message to the guys is, ‘Can we compartmentalize these things and move on?’ We’ve done a pretty good job of that.”