The Richmond Hill High School Wildcats will soon wrap up their summer workouts. And with that, senior linebacker and leader Gabe Bauman will be a part of a heavily stacked senior group that will take one last ride in pursuit of a state championship. 

“Heading into my final year is definitely something that just evokes the best and most exciting emotions out of me,” Bauman said. “I cannot wait to get out on the field with this group of guys. We all have been waiting for this for so long and can't wait to show what we have. 

“We are on a mission, and definitely have something to prove, and there is nobody I'd rather do it with than the guys we have right now.”

With that group of guys, which many of the starters are seniors, Bauman feels they will put together a successful last ride together before going off to their respective destinations after graduation. 

“I see my senior year as a very successful one,” Bauman said. “I know that my guys who I have been playing with forever won't let me down, so I can't let them down either. The best part about our team is we keep each other accountable and keep one another in check. 

“That is what I believe that when we are down in games or not playing great, we will push each other to get things turned around and get wins. On top of that, I envision a lot of the guys on my team to continue to get looks at the next level because they all are gonna earn it and deserve it.”

The confidence in himself and his team comes from all of the work that they have put in so far, as they near the end of the summer. 

“I think the biggest part about summer practices is bringing everyone together and creating the sense of unity that will carry us deep into the season,” Bauman said. “There is no one individual player on our squad that will win us games. We all have to be one unit and play together. 

“Additionally, being in the weight room and on the field early in the morning I believe always helps us gain that little bit of extra training and conditioning we need heading into the season.”

Bauman will be leaned on heavily during his senior campaign, as he has consistently been one of the top tacklers on the team, and a leader on defense. 

“I would like to say I bring a high level of competitiveness and leadership to the team,” Bauman said. “I try my best to always keep tabs on everybody and make sure we all stay focused. 

“I also am very competitive amongst the guys on the team so we can demand the best out of one another. I also love bringing experience to the younger guys and try to show what an ideal student-athlete looks like at Richmond Hill High School.”

With an astounding 4.21 GPA, Bauman certainly delivers on what being a true, well-rounded student-athlete looks like. 

Bauman and the Wildcats will wrap up the summer practices and scrimmage Jenkins at home on August 2.