One-on-one with Kirk Fryar

Kirk Fryar spent part of his summer sidelined with an ankle injury. Thankfully for the rising senior, he is back practicing both baseball and basketball in preparation for next school year.
“We were playing a scrimmage at the school, and I was guarding Gareth (Pannell),” he said of his injury. “I went for the rebound and hit his ankle coming down. They said I had a stage four sprain and tore some ligaments, but I’m better now.”
Back on the field and court, Fryar has participated in summer league games in both sports, while playing pick-up games with his friends. Focusing on many aspects of his game, he hopes to develop more as a leader for the Urchins.
“I’m just trying to be a better athlete, strength wise and trying to be better in every way I can,” Fryar said.
Looking at basketball, Fryar will move down to the post taking the place of Gareth Pannell; a task that will be tough, but he is looking forward to.
“Coach McDonald moved me to post, so I’m working to fill Gareth’s spot, but I don’t know if I can, I mean, he averaged like 30 points a game,” he laughed.
As far as baseball, Fryar struggled throughout the 2010 season, but the confidence Coach Basil has in him is pushing him in his practices.
“Actually, I don’t believe this, but he (Basil) told me I have probably the best swing he’s ever seen, but I don’t know, I just couldn’t make contact last season,” Fryar said. “Hopefully it will improve for next season. I’m also going to try to play in that league out at the Sportsplex in the fall. Hopefully the work will better prepare me for next season.”
Fryar credits his improvement to his former teammates, who can still be seen at East Union working out with the current students.
“Me and Drew (Dillard) and Jimmy (Marshall) have practiced a lot; batting practice. And earlier today, Craig (Bullock) worked with us, telling us what we were doing wrong all while he was able to get in practice, trying to improve his pitching,” he said.
With a lot to look forward to, Fryar is excited to enter his final year with the Urchins.
“My hope is to have a winning season. It’ll be tough in basketball because we’ve lost a lot, but in baseball, Chandler (Coleman) and I are the only two seniors, so again they won’t lose much after we leave, but we should be solid next year.”

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