FULL STEAM AHEAD: Carson Cruea ’13 runs towards the dugout in game vs. Delphi. When Cruea isn’t on the mound he occasionaly will pitch hit.

Carson Cruea ’13 was raised to play baseball. He first began to play at age three when his parents signed him up to play tee-ball with the Lafayette Youth League. Since then, Cruea has loved the sport.

“I love baseball about as much as Lil B the Based God loves rapping,” compared Cruea.

Fifteen years from when he first started, Cruea is now half-way through his senior season and is enjoying every moment of it. He has started four games thus far and boasts a 3-2 pitching record and an ERA [earned run average] of 1.5.

His stellar performance on the mound this season has helped West Lafayette to a 9-8 record.

“He is a great role model,  he is always working hard and always have a positive attitude,” described Wolfie Funk ’14.

Although Cruea is enjoying a solid senior campaign for the Red Devils, things have not always gone his way.

Cruea transferred from Lafayette Jeff to West Lafayette his freshman year and joined the baseball team. His first season as a Red Devil was cut short when he was forced to transfer back to Jeff because of residency issues.

Once everything was cleared up, Cruea returned to West Side his sophomore year and enjoyed a strong season pitching and playing third base for the JV team. He was set to start for the varsity squad his junior year but ran into some more  unexpected adversity.

An injury to his right shoulder forced him to have surgery and a rough junior season.

“It was a struggle everyday,” said Cruea, who worked with the staff at Miracle Fitness to recover.

Once healthy, Cruea was primed for an above average senior season.

“He has really improved his game from last season,” said teammate Parker Ronchetto ’14.

Now, more than half-way through the season, Cruea hopes the team plays as long as it can and dreams the team will make a trip to the state finals.

After high school, Cruea plans to attend Indiana Institute of  Technology [Indiana Tech] to study accounting and continue playing the sport he loves.

Carson’s Favorites

Baseball Player: Mariano Rivera

Resturant: AJ’s Burgers & Beef

Musical Artist: Lil B

Superhero: Batman

Vaction Spot: Panama City Beach, FL