Located in: Sports
Posted on: April 6th, 2014 No Comments

Kaiser leads Mavs, sets example on and off the field


God, family, baseball. If you ask senior Austin Kaiser what his biggest values in life are, that will be the response. Not only has Kaiser become one of the biggest names in the RMAC, leading the conference in almost every statistical category hitting the ball, Kaiser has also developed into one of the best players to come through coach Chris Hank’s baseball program at CMU, making a positive impact both on and off the field.

Kaiser is off to one of the best starts in program history through 31 games this season, batting at an astounding .522 while generating 38 runs off 61 hits and posting a .852 slugging percentage. Kaiser bats third in the lineup, a position typically reserved for the best hitter. The Mavericks currently sit atop the RMAC standings and are ranked 2nd in the latest South Central Region poll.

Just looking at stats alone, it’s easy to say Kaiser is having himself quite a season thus far. However, he would never be the first to tell you.

“I never really think about what I’m doing as an individual,” Kaiser said. “I really just continue to work hard for my team. I want to be an example for them. I want to motivate and inspire this team. I knew coming in as a senior this season that I would have to step up. I would say that’s the biggest factor in my success so far this season. I am just enjoying every single day. I love this team.”

Kaiser, a native of Colorado Springs, started playing baseball at the age of two.

“I only know this because of pictures of me hitting a wiffle ball with my dad,” Kaiser said. “My dad used to play, so it’s safe to say that he was the driving influence to play.”

Kaiser excelled in high school and knew by his sophomore year that he wanted to keep playing the game he loved.

“I knew that it was a possiblilty that I could play college ball,” Kaiser said. “I had to just put in the work and get better every day.”

Kaiser decided to continue his playing career out of high school with the Mavericks, citing the program’s history as well as the academics that CMU has to offer.

After redshirting his freshman year, Kaiser began working his way into the lineup. After limited action in the next season, Kaiser began shaping into a quality player and contributor for the Mavericks. Kaiser earned All-RMAC third team honors while also being placed on the RMAC All-Academic First Team. Kaiser played a major role in the 2013 season, helping the Mavericks win the RMAC championship, while qualifying for the South Central Regional Tournament. Kaiser was listed on the Preseason All-RMAC team entering the 2013 season, and once again earned All-Academic First Team honors.

Despite all the awards, accolades and success on the field, there is more that defines Kaiser off the diamond.

A man of Christian faith, Kaiser helps lead the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) on campus.

“My faith is everything to me,” Kaiser said. “I owe everything that I have to God. He’s truly blessed me with the opportunities that I have. It’s great because I am able to use the success that I have on the field to glorify Him.”

Kaiser knows that one day he’s going to have to hang up the cleats, and baseball will be over for him. That’s the main reason for his aspiration to continue his education once he graduates from CMU. Kaiser, majoring in exercise science with a minor in business and sports management, wants to become an athletic director one day. Kaiser was accepted into the graduate school program to study Sports Management at the University of Alabama.

“That’s definitely the next milestone for me,” Kaiser said. “That’s the next step for me, just getting my degree and going on to whatever’s next.”

As of now, Kaiser just wants to enjoy his final season as a Mav. Once his time is up, Kaiser hopes he leaves an impact on all that have played and coached him during his career.

“I just want to be remembered as a guy that came in and worked hard every single day,” said Kaiser. “I want to be known as an example of not only an athlete, but a man who always strived to become better each and every day. That right there is what I hope I will be remembered for.”

The Mavericks, currently posting a record of 23-8, 17-5 in conference play, are expected repeat as RMAC Champions and also have a shot make a deep run in post-season play.

It is unsure what will be next for Austin Kaiser. Whether he continues his baseball career on the next level or continues his education, he will remain one of the best to wear a Maverick uniform.

ksparkhu@mavs.coloradomesa.edu

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