Name: Harry Van Dyke
Age: 16
School/grade: Junior, West Milford High school
Activity/Sport: Baseball
This week we Take Five with Harry Van Dyke, a junior at West Milford High School. Harry loves baseball and science and has a soft spot for his sisters. Be sure to go to westmilfordmessenger.com to read our bonus five with Harry.
1) How did you get involved with baseball?
My sisters all played softball and I have been on a field since I was 3 months old. The game is in my blood and part of my family my dad also played and I have always loved the game and being on the field.
2) Who is your biggest inspiration?
My sisters are my biggest inspirations. All of them are very successful. They all played softball in college and that is one of my dreams. They also have amazing jobs and families and have done well in school. This is hard to do today and I am lucky to have them as role models.
3) Who is your favorite teacher of all time and why?
My favorite teacher of all time is Mrs. Rennals, my eighth grade science teacher. Science has always been my favorite subject but Mrs. Rennals always found a way to make it more interesting. She also had trout in her room that I got to feed each day and watch grow. I have always loved animals so that made her class all the better.
4) Share a favorite moment with your team.
My favorite moment with my team was freshman year during baseball. We were playing St. Joe's and Mr. Andrulli decided that we were going to have a fun game so we played themed innings. One inning we cheered in Spanish and another we all played out of position. The best moment of the game was when Jon Diamond was pitching and he gave up a home run. As the kid touched home, he shook his hand and said nice hit.
5) What is your favorite movie, book or character and why?
My favorite movie is Happy Gilmore. This movie always makes me laugh and I'm a big fan of Adam Sandler.
Good taste in movies, Harry. Adam Sandler is one funny guy! It's great to see someone so proud of his family too.
Do you know someone who should be featured here in Take Five? Let us know who and why. Email us at njoffice@strausnews.com. We want to feature all of the great young people in the township.
Bonus Five
6) What would most people be surprised to know about baseball?
Most people would be surprised to know how much of what happens in baseball is based on failure. When you are hitting, not getting a hit 60 percent of the time is very good. Pitchers are also expected to give up at least two runs an inning and that is also a very high achievement. Baseball also take a lot of control and finesse. When throwing a ball, the slightest bit of pressure with one finger or the wrong positioning of your body can result in a throw that is way off target. Also when hitting you also never see the ball hit the bat. There is a rather large period of time where you lose sight of the ball. This is why the game is so difficult and so based on failure.
7) Name three things you would bring with you if you were on a deserted island.
If I was stranded on a deserted island, I would bring a life's supplies of books to keep me occupied because I love to read. I would also bring a pair of sunglasses so I could see. I also think I would bring my dog to keep me company. She's also crazy and loving so she'll be able keep my spirits up.
8) What does being a Highlander mean to you?
Being a Highlander is showing support for your school. A Highlander cheers on every team and does whatever they can to better the school. I always try to show my Highlander pride when I can be participating in as much as I can in school and in all activities and special days during school.
9) What do you do with your time when you are not playing baseball?
When I am not playing sports at school, I'm usually at home with my family. I also love the woods and to go hunting and fishing. I am very religious and I spend a lot of time at St. Joseph's Church where I participate in the Antioch program.
10) Share something no one knows about you.
I am a very open person and therefore I don't think there is anything that no one knows about me.