The Titans of Post 33 are struggling through this season and that's to be expected when you consider the relative youth of this year's squad. So there has been added pressure on some of the veterans of the group to step up and show the younger guys how to play the game, and few do it better than this week's athlete of the week Jhett Cihak.  Nate says, "Definitely when he started out he was a little shaky in places. But definitely his senior year he's become pretty good behind the plate and it's pretty comfortable with him back there for the pitchers. And I know playing first too, defensively it's good having him there too."  Jhett is one of the best defensive catchers in the Black Hills. Whether it's smothering a bad pitch, blocking the plate, or throwing out runners, Jhett is at his best when he's wearing his gear. But at 5' 11" and 180 pounds Jhett doesn't exactly look like your typical catcher.  Coach says, "Well he was there when I got there so that's what we had to work with and he's done a great job and he's really matured over the last couple of years and really taken on the role as a leader out on the field at the catching spot."  Most ball players will tell you that the best feeling they get on the diamond is when they make contact with a fastball right on the sweet spot and watch it fly. But Jhett has a different perspective.  Jhett says, "The two best feelings is when you frame a pitch and you don't even feel it. It just hits your glove and that sound. And the other one is hitting it when you don't even feel it and you know it's good. I catch every game. Last year I got three DH'ing games and this year I've had one so your body has to be ready. You're the only person back there. If you mess up somebody's getting on base or somebody's scoring."  Jhett will play baseball for Bismark State next season and he has yet to decide if he'll come back for his super senior year. Congratulations to Jhett Cihak, this week's Black Hills Fox Powerade Athlete of the Week.

Cory Coppock