The Drill: Christian Tentinger stands out for MCC baseball

SLAYTON — Murray County Central’s Christian Tentinger is a very lighthearted kid. He can also crush a baseball like nobody's business.

Last year, Tentinger played third base for the Rebels and batted .433 with four home runs, 13 extra-base hits, and 27 RBIs.

Tentinger is tall and has quick wrists that make his swing look effortless. He has also been a quick learner after moving from the hot corner to first base. Coaches praised his temperament and willingness to play the position that will help the team succeed most.

This season he is moving to first base defensively, but his reputation as the Rebels’ most fearsome batter will certainly stick around.

Tentinger said part of his athletic inspiration comes from his father, Adam Tentinger. Christian said his dad was a good athlete for MCC, and one of his goals is to surpass Adam in the record books.

Tentinger and the Rebels have high hopes for the upcoming baseball season. MCC boasts a complete team and a senior class that is hungry for postseason success. Last season the Rebels went 9-1 in conference play, and defeated Adrian/Ellsworth by a 4-3 walk-off balk for the conference title.

The Rebels won four games in the Section 3A playoffs, but losses to MACCRAY and Russell-Tyler-Ruthton knocked them out of state contention.

Tentinger was a member of the Rebels’ football team in the fall and was a key player on the basketball team this winter. Tentinger scored 14 points for the Rebels in their 54-51 section playoff loss to R-T-R. R-T-R would go on to win the Class A state championship.

Tentinger is a senior at MCC and plans on attending the University of South Dakota next fall with the intent to become a physical therapist.

To see a video of Tentinger, visit dglobe.com . Here’s a sample of our interview:

QUESTION: What in your estimation has been the most valuable advice you have received in your athletic career?

ANSWER: The most valuable advice that any coach has ever given me is to always put effort into anything you are doing. Practice, whether you are in season or off season, always put effort into the stuff you do because it will pay off in the long run.

QUESTION: What are some of your interests outside of sports?

ANSWER: I like going hunting and fishing a lot. There are so many places around here to go fishing with my friends so that is a thing I do a lot.

QUESTION: Which teammate pushes you the hardest?

ANSWER: I would say that the teammate that pushes me the hardest — and probably most other cases the hardest — is Derek Kluis. He likes to get very competitive and make sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to be doing. He definitely pushes me to (try) my hardest and be my best.