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Hard work pays off for VanDaalwyk

Many high school student-athletes play multiple sports, but few are ever able to dominate them like Patrick VanDaalwyk did during his senior year as a Clintonville Trucker.

VanDaalwyk, son of Bill and Kelly VanDaalwyk of Clintonville, exhibited a high level of athletic ability in all sports since his freshman year. Throughout his high school career, he has honed his skills in basketball and baseball. His hard work and dedication, combined with his gifted athleticism, have allowed him to excel on the court and the diamond.

As a junior, VanDaalwyk had already established himself as the Trucker boys’ basketball team’s top shooter. After completing an impressive junior year, much was expected of VanDaalwyk in his senior campaign and he didn’t disappoint, as years of practice and previous varsity experience paved the way for a dominating season.

Despite opposing defenses keying on No. 32, he could not be stopped. VanDaalwyk dropped a season-high 41 points on Fox Valley Lutheran, scored 32 against Winneconne and tallied 28 points against Weyauwega-Fremont in a few of his most memorable games of the season, but don’t let the high point totals fool you. VanDaalwyk was a model of consistency, averaging 19.9 points per game as he led the Truckers’ offensive attack, while also pulling down 158 rebounds, blocking 15 shots and picking up 21 steals.

“We relied on Pat for much of the scoring this season,” Clintonville boys’ basketball coach Shawn Howe said. “He provided a lot of great leadership and was very competitive. He worked hard to accomplish the things that he did on the basketball floor and his work ethic was second to none.”

VanDaalwyk finished his basketball career second all-time on the boys’ scoring list with 1,128 points.

After finishing his basketball career and waiting on the weather to allow spring sports to begin, VanDaalwyk continued his mastery of the baseball diamond, earning first-team all-conference honors for his work as a utility player. When VanDaalwyk wasn’t baffling opposing teams with his southpaw pitching prowess, he was snagging, scooping and stretching for balls hit or thrown at him from his position at first base.

From the mound, VanDaalwyk posted a 6-3 record with a 4.86 ERA and two saves. Over the course of the season, he pitched 67 2/3 innings, striking out 47.

Offensively, he provided a ton of pop for the Trucker offense, posting a .359 batting average with a .539 on-base percentage and .516 slugging percentage. He drove in 22 runs while smacking seven doubles and one home run. He tallied 23 hits on the season while scoring 27 runs.

“Patrick has received all-conference awards in basketball and baseball for multiple seasons now,” Clintonville baseball coach John Dunlavy said. “He has the hardware to show for the work he has put into his athletics. There is no doubt Patrick is an incredible athlete, but he is an even better person. I am very proud of Patrick and excited for his future because I know he will be successful at whatever he chooses to do.”

Throughout high school, VanDaalwyk excelled in academics as well as athletics. He obtained membership in National Honor Society and was been named to the Honor Roll numerous times. He also served as treasurer of the Student Council. Outside school, he helped coach Saturday Morning Hoops for youth basketball and is also active at St. Rose Church.

He plans to attend Ripon College to major in education and play baseball.

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