Introducing our WXXV Student Athlete of the Week, Vancleave’s Hunter Harper!

Winning a State Championship is the ultimate goal for high school athletes, but once you get one, you want them all, and that’s the goal for this week’s WXXV Student Athlete of the Week.Introducing Vancleve high schoo’s very own, Hunter Harper!

A dual-sport athlete at Vancleave high school, senior Hunter Harper has given the blue and white his all when it comes to the gridiron and the diamond. During his senior season in pads, Harper rushed over 900 yards leading the Bulldogs to their 16th playoff appearance.

“You know, we always want to try and win it all, but we had a good season and having one last ride with my friends is always fun,” said Hunter Harper.

He may not have left the gridiron on top, but he knows what the top feels like! Last baseball season, Harper was the ace of the club that led Vancleave to their second State Championship in school history. He said the school has never won back to back state titles, but that’s not stopping them from trying.

“There’s a little pressure but not really. It’s just being out here and having fun with the guys,” said Harper. “It’s never happened here before, but it’d be great. All of us have been playing since we were little. We’ve always had success and I just love these guys. We’re just going to keep going and try our best to win it all and have fun along the way.”

If Harper continues to do what he’s done all season long, “The V”  is set to have quite a run this playoff season. On the mound, Harper has a 5-1 record with 39 strikeouts and an 1.80 ERA. In the batters box he has a .384 batting average, 33 hits, 35 RBI’’s. Harper also hit his third homerun on Tuesday against Laurel, who they recently beat handily in a double header 12-3 and 14-0. With this type of regional performance this close to playoffs, Harper says it gives them confidence at just the right time.

“It gives us confidence. Momentum is a big thing in high school baseball, so going into the playoffs with some momentum is really good,” Harper said.

Whether this year ends with a second ring or not, Harper is thankful for his time at Vancleave and the leadership qualities it’s given him.

“I’ve been here since as long as I can remember and it’s just great being able to come back here and everyone knowing your name and everything. It’s great” said Harper. “I just feel like trying to be a leader for these guys out here. I want the little kids and younger guys to be able to look at me and think maybe that’s what they want to be when they grow up.”

Best of luck to Harper and the rest of the Bulldogs as they begin their playoff campaign next week!