Drew Salfrank has been a sports fanatic ever since he was a child and has turned that passion into becoming a multi-sport standout.

The key member of the Aberdeen Smittys credits his father, Jim, for getting him interested in athletics.

“As a kid my dad had always wanted me to be involved in sports,” Salfrank said. “I was involved in pretty much everything.”

While growing up Salfrank participated in wrestling, soccer, baseball, and basketball.

“It was just one of those things, like, my parents put me in it, and I ended up really enjoying it,” Salfrank said.

That led to a memorable career at Aberdeen Central. Salfrank competed in wrestling, baseball, football, and track and field. He said he enjoyed track and football the most.

“I think track is my favorite, but I think I’m going to miss football the most because in my opinion there’s no better feeling than Friday night lights,” Salfrank said. “So, I really think I’ll miss that sport the most.”

Salfrank also enjoys the sport of baseball, in particular playing with this year’s group of Smittys.

“They’re just all great guys, really funny guys,” Salfrank said. “I just love coming to the baseball field, just hanging out with them.”

On occasion the games even take a back seat to that comradery and team chemistry.

“Sometimes it’s not even the fact of playing baseball, it’s just being around the guys, so it makes it really fun,” Salfrank said.

When Salfrank is not playing baseball, he can be found enjoying other interests in life.

“Usually hanging with friends, working, or in my room playing video games,” Salfrank said.

This past spring, Salfrank found himself trying to balance his time between two sports, as track and field season was in full swing when baseball began. Salfrank played a huge role in both sports, serving as the track squad’s top 400-meter dash runner while also anchoring multiple relays, and also being a top pitcher and outfielder for the Smittys when he was available.

Salfrank says playing two sports at once took a toll on him.

“It was difficult. It was tough on my body because I’d have track practice and basically right after I’d have to head to baseball, so it was pretty tough,” Salfrank said. “It’s just one of those things you have to know at some point that’s going to end and everything’s going to be fine, so it’s just kind of a mental thing.”

Once track season was over, Salfrank’s focus turned solely to baseball, where he is a center fielder and pitcher for the Smittys. Salfrank says his favorite position is center field.

“I guess I’ve played it forever and I just really enjoy it out there,” Salfrank said.

Salfrank, who graduated from Central this past spring, will continue his track and field career at Northern State University. He says he is not sure exactly what he will be studying, but is leaning towards becoming involved in physical therapy and human performance.

However, before his college career begins, Salfrank is focused on the goals he has for the rest of the baseball season.

“A goal for myself is to just be the best teammate I can and help the team in any way possible,” Salfrank said, “and for the team is to for sure host a regional and then hopefully make state and win the tournament.”