East Student Athlete of the Week: Carter Rapp

Senior Carter Rapp has been named Athlete of the Week for his leadership on and off the baseball field, embodying East’s core values of excellence, academics, spirit and tradition.

Rapp has been playing baseball since he was six years old and has been a key player at East all four years of high school. Throughout his years playing baseball, his priority has always been his team and ensuring good chemistry.

“My goal is for the team, not just this year, to grow a closer bond and try to show the underclassmen how to be leaders,” Rapp said. “Some of my favorite memories are the team bonding that we’ve done, whether it’s pool parties, hangouts, or getting breakfast or dinner after games.”

Head varsity baseball coach, Brian Schaeffer, specifically chose Rapp because of his leadership qualities and love for the game. During Rapp’s time on the varsity team, Schaeffer has seen immense improvement.

“Carter has excelled on the field and continues to be a leader off the field and in the dugout. He always has the right attitude to be the best baseball player and best person.” Schaeffer said.

One of the ways that Rapp has demonstrated his willingness to put the team first is his adaptability in the field. Each season, he willingly plays wherever the coaches need him. During his first two seasons in the East program, Carter was a catcher. Last season, Carter learned to play outfield. This year, due to an injury, Carter learned to play first base–a position he had never played. Rapp’s parents, Brian and Janel Rapp, recognize how this defining characteristic of Carter has been shaped by his time at East.

“Being an athlete at East has helped Carter face adversity and learn from it. He’s learned that hard work is required to be good at what you do, but it does not always mean you win,” his parents said. “As a teammate, he is there with positive reinforcement or a little joke to help pick people up.”

With how energetic and positive Rapp is towards the baseball program, it is hard to imagine that there was a time that he considered stepping away. Heading into Carter’s junior season, he was not guaranteed to see the field and took some time to speak with his family and to pray. Eventually, Carter decided to stick with the sport and work hard to find a way to contribute.

Assistant varsity baseball coach, Anthony DiNardo, was excited that Rapp made the decision to stick with baseball. Similar to everyone else near Carter, he feels that Carter's energy is magnetic and propels the culture of the program forward.

“One of my favorite memories of Carter is when he made a diving play into the right field fence last year. That play epitomizes what Carter is all about–giving 110% at all times,"DiNardo said. “We had to run out there and check to make sure the fence was okay. We knew Carter was going to get up, all smiles, and continue giving his all.”

Aside from athletics, Rapp is a strong student at East and has been a strong example of balancing academics and sports, which will ensure an easy transition into college life in the fall.

“Carter has been able to take advantage of a broad range of course offerings, which have given him exposure to different classes, activities, teachers, coaches, and friends that have all helped prepare him for the next phase of life.” His parents said.

As a new graduate from East, Rapp is continuing his journey at the University of Missouri, where he will study finance. His work ethic and ability to work with others will be invaluable in his goal of owning his own business.

*This article was written by junior, Allie Heren and was edited by the OeHowl staff writers.

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