Wrangler Spotlight
Masen Hibbeler, a freshman from Houston, TX, has been a major asset for the baseball team thus far in his young career. As the starting shortstop, Masen has the ability to lead and take over a game with his instincts and his desire to win. Masen has been limited this season due to an ankle injury that has sidelined him for a few weeks. He has started and competed in 16 games for the Wranglers and will return back to the field this weekend. Masen has a total of 20 hits on the season, which includes five doubles, two triples, and one homerun. He has also recorded 13 RBI, three walks, and four stolen bases. Masen's batting average is .364, while his slugging percentage is .582.
Masen studies chemical engineering at OC and in the future would like to be a chemical engineer or a baseball coach. Masen is elevating his game every time he stops out on the field, and hopes to receive a division 1 scholarship from an SEC school.
Q: What do you enjoy most about playing baseball?
Masen: "Baseball is not just a sport for me. It's much more than that. It gives me the opportunity to forget about the stress I may have in my life and to focus on something I love. Baseball is an escape for me and it is something I really enjoy doing!"
Q: What professional baseball player do you try and imitate your game after?
Masen: "I try to imitate my game after Dustin Pedroia (Boston Red Sox 2nd baseman). His work ethic and willingness to sacrifice for the team is something I strive to do. Dustin is extremely dedicated to the game and plays every game like it is his last. I work as hard as I can each day, because I know my baseball career will come to an end at some point."
Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment as a baseball player?
Masen: "It is definitely when Coach Lay offered me a scholarship to play for OC. I have never been so excited to receive something so special that I have been working extremely hard for! Another accomplishment I am proud of, is when my high school team won the state championship. That was an exciting moment for myself and my teammates and I will never forget that feeling."
Q: Who are your role models?
Masen: "My parents have been the biggest supports of me since day one. They have always pushed me to do my best and I owe all the credit to them for always being by my side through the ups and downs."
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Masen: "I enjoy working out, hanging out with my teammates, and playing Ping-Pong."
Q: What is it like being an Odessa College Wrangler?
Masen: "OC has challenged me not only on the baseball field but in the classroom. My professors have helped me grow as a student, and I appreciate all the time and effort they put in to help me succeed! OC was a great choice for me because it has allowed me to build relationships with teammates and friends that will last way beyond college."
After speaking with Head Coach Kurtis Lay, he stated, "Masen has done a great job as our shortstop this year, he is turning into a true leader on the field. I am excited for Masen to return from his injury so we can have stability in our infield. He is a great kid and a hard worker, and I can't ask for much more than that."
To follow the Odessa College Baseball team, visit our website at www.wranglersports.com.
