By Rohan Keith Andresen ’12
THE ROUNDUP

Brophy first baseman Dan Winkler ’11 belongs to a pool of very talented

baseball players in Arizona.

“He’s turned in some big runs, he’s been a reason why we are off to a 13-5 start this season,” said head coach Mr. Tom Succow.

Winkler has three homeruns with 16 runs scored and 11 runs batted in as of April 13.

Succow has been coaching him for two years but has watched him play since his freshman year.

Winkler said he has been loyal to baseball since he started playing t-ball when he was young and has been on varsity since his junior year.

Before playing at Brophy, Winkler participated in club baseball since he moved to Arizona in 2004.

“I developed a love for the game which made me continue playing and putting so much effort into my game,” Winkler said.

Mr. Succow is also Winkler’s college counselor and is able to see him work on and off the field.

“Dan is a very motivated student and a very caring individual … He fits the need of what is desired for the ideal Brophy student,” Mr. Succow said.

In addition to Mr. Succow, Winkler’s teammates also see him as a motivator.

“Winkler’s a great teammate, player and leader on the team. He’s really led the team physically and emotionally this year,” said catcher John Rapisarda ’12.

Winkler showed how he is a motivated individual through his adjustment to what the team needed him to do this year.

Winkler changed to infield because that’s what the team needed of him, even though his preferred position is still catcher.

“I have to say that my favorite place to play on the field is behind the plate,” Winkler said. “There is just something I love about being able to control the game and to be in on every pitch.”

He is currently considering University of Texas at Austin and University of Iowa, according to Mr. Succow.

He said that Winkler is a student of high academic credentials and he will be successful in college.

Winkler said that regardless of the position he plays he hopes to continue playing baseball during his college years no matter where he ends up going.