Chris McQuade’s value to the Rangeview baseball team goes well beyond just statistics. Those are pretty good, too.
The senior first baseman is off to a fast start through 13 games for the 7-6 Raiders, hitting .447, leading the team with 21 hits and 18 runs scored and is second in RBI (14). It is the leadership and tone McQuade sets for a young Rangeview team, however, that is the most valuable commodity he provides. He relished the Raiders’ trip to the Class 5A postseason in 2011 and hopes to lead his team back this season.
With a 3.7 GPA, McQuade is headed to Regis University next year on an academic scholarship.
What is your favorite high school memory, athletically or otherwise?
Playing in the state playoffs last year.
What is the biggest sacrifice you have to make to play your sport?
Less time to study and do homework for school.
What’s the best piece of advice ever given to you in sports or in life?
Always hustle and put forth 100 percent in whatever you do.
Are you a leader? If so, what do you think makes a good leader in yourself or others?
What makes me a good leader is that I try to lead by example, whether it’s on or off the field.
Do you have any quirks or superstitions when it comes to your sport or in life in general?
I always jump over the foul line when I run on or off the field.
If you listen to music before a game, what gets you most ready for competition? If not, how do you get focused?
I like to listen to (Notorious B.I.G.’s) “Big Poppa,” because of the movie “Hardball.” It always gets me pumped up for a game.
What’s a sport you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t and why haven’t you?
Football because I always just stuck with baseball, but I would have liked to try football.
If you could pick a person living or dead to spend a day with, who would it be and why?
Kerry Wood, because I am a huge Cubs fan and he has always been one of my favorite players.
Other than sports, do you have another true passion in life and if so, what is it and why?
No. Just sports.
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?
I see myself being a high school teacher and baseball coach.
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at sports@aurorasentinel.com or 303-750-7555