Dairy Farmers of Manitoba Athlete of the Week

The Tire Recycle Rural High School Athlete of the Week is Joben Smith of the Major Pratt Trojans baseball team in Russell.

The 6’1” pitcher & catcher for the Trojans led the team to the Zone 10 Championships. He caught 4 innings of the first game against Birtle, going 3 for 4 at the plate with 2 doubles and 4 RBI. In the finals against Hamiota he pitched 5 1/3 innings giving up 2 runs on 3 hits and 7 strike outs.  At the plate he went 3 for 5 with a triple and 3 RBI.  Overall the Trojans are 9-0 so far this season with Smith having a .410 batting average and 3-0 record on the mound.  Coach Gord Nixon states, “He is one of those special players who can play any position and excel. Joben leads by example, striving to improve at every practice, open to coaching suggestions, and is very supportive of and with the younger players.”

Smith in grade 12 maintains an 88% average, while also participating in volleyball, hockey, and badminton.