ALL STAR BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Derek Prucnal

The All Star Baseball Academy Player of the Week Award goes to West Chester East senior Derek Prucnal, who recently gave a verbal commitment to attend LaSalle University next year on a baseball scholarship.  Derek, who also stars in ice hockey for East, plays first base, outfield and pitches for the Vikings.

"I'm really excited to play for LaSalle and to go to a great local university and baseball program." said Derek.  "Wherever they want me to play, I'll play that position and do my best to excel and help the team win."

"There are so many paths that kids can choose for baseball training, and some are better than others," said Derek's Dad, Rob Prucnal.  "We feel extremely fortunate that Derek has been a part of the All Star program for several years. He has played on a number of Summer and Fall travel teams and has enjoyed every minute of it. In fairness, Derek loves to practice and then delivers the best he can be in each and every inning he plays."

“Derek Prucnal is an extraordinary young man," said his ASBA tournament team coach, Mark Freed.  "He is a good athlete who carries himself well on and off the field.  He is always a pleasure to be around, and usually the first guy at the field and the last to leave.  He will have a great career at LaSalle, and I wish him the best during his time there.”

For West Chester East this spring, Derek expects the Vikings to be a Ches-Mont contender and improved over last year.

"We should have a strong team this year, and be up near the top of the standings.  It's a tough league but we should have good pitching and our players have been working hard to improve," said Derek.

LaSalle is getting an excellent addition to the Explorers baseball team, and to its University in the fall of 2011.  Congratulations, Derek, on being named the ASBA Player of the Week.