Everywhere he goes, Rylan Sutton proudly wears a necklace emblazoned with a goat that serves as motivation for the kind of impact he’s hoping to make for Ozark.
In this case, goat of course is a symbol for G.O.A.T., as in “Greatest Of All Time.” That indeed is the standard Sutton is shooting for in a variety of avenues.
“This is a reminder to me of what I’m pushing for and striving to be,” Sutton said. “Eventually, I’d like to play my full career here and be nominated as one of (Ozark’s) greatest, even if it’s greatest role player of all time. That works for me.
“I’m pushing myself to be the best I can be,” he added. “That’s as a teammate, a role player or a mentor to underclassmen.”
Sutton is halfway through a promising four-year run on Ozark’s varsity. Under current Tigers coach Justin Sundlie, Sutton has been the only full-time freshman varsity starter.
The left-hander batted .291 as a freshman and and .368 in an injury-shortened sophomore season. In only 57 at-bats last year, he slugged four doubles, three triples and two home runs.
Sutton suffered a broken left wrist on a steal attempt versus Lebanon. As he was sliding into second base, he broke his wrist as his hand dragged in the dirt leading to the bag.
“It was just unlucky,” he said. “The dirt was a little sticky (due to rain), nothing I could do about it.”
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