Not every high school baseball team has professional scouts at its practices. But at Free State, star pitcher and outfielder Cody Kukuk draws scouts to both games and practices, even after announcing his commitment to the University of Kansas.  
    “I kind of got used to it over the summer, so it’s just normal now,” Kukuk said.  
    Kukuk has been on the varsity baseball team for four years, and he was selected the baseball Gatorade Player of the Year in 2010 for Kansas for his athletic excellence, academic achievement and exemplary character.
    According to varsity baseball coach Mike Hill, hard work and talent account for Kukuk’s immense success at baseball.

But despite his success, Kukuk isn’t treated any differently than the other players on the team.  When asked if Kukuk ever gets special treatment, Hill burst out laughing.

    “Absolutely not,” Hill said. “I think you ought to ask him that question.”
    Kukuk has played baseball since he was six, and his favorite part of the game is “the competition and trying to be better than the other team.”

Last year the varsity baseball team had an impressive 19-6 record. Falling short in the semifinals at state last year helps motivate the current baseball team to have the best season possible.

    “Me and him pretty much make up the pitching staff,” senior Colin Toalson said. “We have other guys, but we pitch the majority of the time.  He’s a big component on the mound, and his bat helps out, too.”