LONGMONT, Colo.—Jon Dick is accustomed to getting overlooked.
Attending a small private Christian school, with barely more than a handful in his senior class, it’s easy to mistake his athletic accomplishments as a mere product of his environment.
Those that see the Longmont Christian super athlete play in person, however, are quick to dismiss that myth.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that he’d be a top athlete at any high school,” Longmont Christian baseball coach Rusty Befus said. “He just has a ton of natural talent.”
With Dick’s successful high school career winding down—he’s been a starter in football, basketball and baseball since his junior year—he’s enjoying his best athletic season of all this spring with the surging Warriors.
Heading into the state tournament this weekend, Dick is hitting .568 with three home runs and 15 RBIs, and he has just two strikeouts in more than 60 plate appearances. Defensively, Dick is 6-1 on the mound with one save and 76 strikeouts.
“He’s just in a zone,” Befus said. “Jon’s just been crushing it at the plate. And the best thing is, I really don’t think he’s hit his groove on the mound yet. I think his best is still to come.”
Dick began attending Longmont Christian School in the sixth grade. He’s watched siblings go through and have successful, yet unrecognized, athletic careers, so Dick knew what he was getting himself into. Still, attending the Class 2A school is something he’ll never regret.
“This school, my friends, the teachers, they’ve all meant so much to me,” Dick said. “I feel very blessed to be a part of it.”
With baseball being his sport of choice, Dick is hoping to parlay his standout senior season into a collegiate career. Not many schools have come calling, but he is in talks with the Colorado School of Mines, a Division II program in Golden, to play baseball.
“I definitely think he has what it takes to play at the next level,” Befus said. “Especially if he hits the weight room, he’s going to be a great addition to any college team.”
For now, Dick is happy to focus on the task at hand. After early ends to the Warriors’ football and basketball seasons, Dick said it’s important to him and his senior teammates to finish high school with a bang.
Longmont Christian (15-3, 5-1) won its district tournament last weekend, earning the regional No. 1 seed. The Warriors will play second-seeded Calhan in the state tournament at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Niwot High School.
“We knew we were going to have a pretty good team this year, since we brought basically everybody back from last year’s team,” Dick said. “I think there’s no doubt that we’re right with the top teams in the state. I think we’re just as good.
“Just because we’ve got such a great bond. We’ve all been playing together since we were in the third and fourth grade, so that’s a big reason we’re doing so well.”
Befus agrees.
“This group of seniors has definitely put Longmont Christian on the map these past few years,” he said. “I do credit a lot of that to Jon. He’s just been a great leader by example. He comes from a great Christian family, with Christian values and he’s completely selfless. He’ll put anybody ahead of himself.
“There’s not much more you could ask from your school’s star athlete,” Befus said.
Dick said it still hasn’t hit him that his high school sports career is ending, but he comprehends how much the experience has meant to him.
“It’s been a really fun four years. We’ve been with the same kids forever,” he said. “Now that we’re at the top of the food chain, it’s even more fun. Like I said, there are some great people here, and I’ll never forget it. It’s been great.”
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