THE RISE OF RUDIAK

By Ty Bartell

 

BOARDMAN OH-  For Boardman senior Ivan Rudiak, baseball has been more than just a game, it’s been a way of life. Since the days of T-ball, when he and his teammates would amusingly run to third base instead of first, to now standing as a leader in the Spartans’ dugout, Rudiak’s journey has been defined by hard work, resilience, and a love for the sport that continues to shape him.

Now entering his final high school season, Rudiak is embracing his role as a veteran presence on the team. Leadership, he says, comes naturally with experience. “Being a senior, you kind of take that role automatically,” he explains. “It’s good to have multiple voices in the dugout. It’s good to be one as a team and all be on the same mindset.” Rudiak said.

But baseball, as Rudiak acknowledges, is a sport that humbles even the best. He’s learned to embrace the highs and lows, using each mistake as an opportunity to grow. “Every mistake you make, you learn from it,” he says. “Whether it’s a strikeout or an error in the field, you take what your coaches tell you and apply it to the next play.” Rudiak said.

As his high school career nears its conclusion, Rudiak is already looking ahead to the next chapter. He will continue his baseball journey at Thiel College while pursuing a degree in nursing. The decision to commit to Thiel was an easy one, when he visited, the team welcomed him like family. That sense of belonging, he says, sealed the deal.

Of course, there’s still unfinished business before he trades in his Boardman jersey. His final season is a chance to create lasting memories with his teammates,Off the field, Rudiak carries a few unique traditions, like grabbing a sour gummy worm energy drink from the Shell station on Western Reserve before every game. Superstition? Maybe. But in baseball, routine is everything.

With the Spartans’ faithful behind them, Rudiak and his teammates are ready to make their mark. The journey from a wide-eyed T-ball player to a seasoned leader has been a fulfilling one, and no matter how the season unfolds, Rudiak will leave a legacy of hard work, positivity, and a love forthe game that will inspire those who follow in his footsteps.

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