South Fork Athlete of the Week: Scott Coffelt

Coffelt on the mound last season

Coffelt on the mound last season [Photo by Janice Coffelt]

South Fork High School junior Scott Coffelt has been playing sports since age five and he intends to continue to play in college where he would like to study kinesiology and pursue a career in athletic training.

Born in Fortuna on June 1, 2000, Scott has lived in Miranda his whole life with parents Janice and Corky Coffelt. Scott’s two older sisters Brittni and Marie also played multiple varsity sports for South Fork.

“Sports are what I’ve done all my life. Even when I’m relaxing, I’m watching the sport I’m playing on TV,” says the perennial Honor Roll student who carries a 3.67 GPA on a rigorous college prep schedule.

Starting off at age 5 with “coach pitch” little league rather than t-ball, Scott has always found baseball to be his favorite sport. Now one of the top pitchers in the Humboldt Del Norte Conference and with aspirations of playing in college, Scott’s football and baseball coach Andy Olsen feels he has what it takes to play at the next level.

“He’s a big strong kid who works hard. He has great control and keeps the ball down. He’s efficient with his pitches. He’s a quiet leader, but when he talks, others listen.”

In 2016 Coffelt completed 6 games with a record of 8-5 in 14 starts, had an ERA of 2.51, and opposing batters only hit .219 against him. He hopes to play shortstop when not on the mound this year, filling the hole left by Kayden Blair who graduated last June.

At the plate on last year’s HDN Little Four League Championship team, Coffelt led the Cubs in hits with 34, and was second on the team in batting average at .453 and second in RBI with 28.

Olsen added, “He stays calm and cool, never gets upset, and is always positive.” Coffelt is not sure yet where he will apply to college, but plans to leave Humboldt and head south toward the Bay Area or southern California, seeking a good fit for his playing ability. “I can see him in a 4-year school,” says Olsen, and with Scott’s preference to be in neither a tiny little town nor a huge metropolis, there should be a number of baseball schools in the market for a control pitcher who hits for power and can play short.

Playing small forward in last year's NCS game in San Francisco, Coffelt takes a three-point shot.

Playing small forward in last year’s NCS game in San Francisco, Coffelt takes a three-point shot. [Photo by Janice Coffelt]

In the winter Coffelt plays basketball, a sport he began as a second grader, playing for Agnes Johnson and Miranda Junior high in the youth leagues. Now he’s a small forward who uses his size on defense, but gets to handle the ball and shoot from the outside on offense.

He started football in Single A at age eight. He played Double A and Triple A before making varsity as a South Fork Freshman. Currently he’s a running back and linebacker on the varsity team. He leads the team in rushing yards with 264 yards on 55 carries. On defense he is second on the team in total tackles, averaging 8.5 per game with 39 total tackles. He also does all the kicking for the football team, averaging a respectable 42.3 yards per punt.

Coffelt has the punting and place kicking duties on the football team as well as playing running back and linebacker

Coffelt has the punting and place kicking duties on the football team as well as playing running back and linebacker [Photo by Janice Coffelt]

Scott has won an impressive array of varsity honors for someone just starting his junior year. As a freshman he won the Coach’s award in Baseball. As a sophomore he was named All-County in Football and Baseball, and was named League MVP in Baseball. In Basketball he earned All-County Honorable Mention his sophomore year.

When asked if he felt it was a disadvantage to play for small school like South Fork, his answer was characteristically brief and to the point: “No, it’s better, because we have more heart and we actually want to play.”

With Scott’s desire, his work ethic, his talent, and his leadership, South Fork fans can look forward to two more years of inspirational play from this exceptional young man.

Facebooktwitterpinterestmail

Join the discussion! For rules visit: https://kymkemp.com/commenting-rules

Comments system how-to: https://wpdiscuz.com/community/postid/10599/

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

3 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Jason Salomon
Guest
Jason Salomon
7 years ago

Way to be Scott,keep up the good work and positive attitude,your a great representation of our area and this school!

Jerry Latsko
Guest
Jerry Latsko
7 years ago

Scott is obviously an exceptional young man and we all should be proud.

Ron Maher
Guest
Ron Maher
7 years ago

Congratulations; great job -keep it up! We are very proud of your hard work and dedication! You are a great cub and carrying on your Grandpa’s legacy!!!!