FOR SLUGGER CHRIS ZACHGO NEBRASKA'S PRACTICALLY THE TROPICS

He’s a two-time Honorable Mention All-Conference player (2001 and 2002); a Top 100 player to watch in the NAIA according to Collegiate Baseball News; a three-year starter who has helped rebuild the Dana baseball program; and a key player on a team that was near perfect in the first half of conference play this year.

It leads Viking fans to expect a lot out of Chris Zachgo ’05, but if there’s pressure, Zachgo doesn’t show it. He is as laid back as they come. A junior from Delta Junction, Alaska, Zachgo misses the arctic, his mom’s cooking and his hobbies of hunting and “snowmachining.” Kristen Gay, sports information director and head women’s soccer coach, sat down with Zachgo to discuss, reminisce, and learn about the life of a young man from the frozen north who has turned into quite the boy of summer.

Gay: What was it like playing baseball in Alaska?
Zachgo: It was a small town, very secluded and not many opportunities for advancement past youth sports. Our high school season was only 12 games. We would have to travel 100 miles to Fairbanks to play with a traveling team or on a summer team.

How long have you been playing?
Since I was 5. I started playing tee ball and my mom was my first coach. After that my dad took over and was my coach until college.
Speaking of college, how did you hear about Dana College?
Actually, my Legion coach played at Bellevue University (in Omaha) and the rest is history.

You have a couple of teammates that are from Alaska, how do you get along with them?
I played high school baseball with (Kyle) Hatch. One day I was pitching against him and hit him in the face with a fastball … fractured his face. I felt bad. (Chuckles) We still talk.

Being from Alaska, is there anything “Alaskan” you do?
Well, I like to go hunting and trapping, but I haven’t done that here. I do have a fox skin hanging in my dorm room. The guys like to tease me about living in an igloo.

How has your experience been at Dana College?
I love it. I like all my classes and it’s pretty laid back.

You were picked as one of the Top 100 NAIA players to watch by Collegiate Baseball News. Is there any pressure on you this season to perform?
At first there was some pressure, because I’m not used to all the awards and honors. We had some new guys come in, and I felt I had to establish myself as a good player. Now, I’m just comfortable where I am.

Favorite position?
That’s tough. I like the outfield, because I can play every game, and as a pitcher you are in a 4 to 5 game rotation.

Favorite pitch?
A two-sink fastball or a changeup.

Do you think you’ve grown over the years as a person and player?
Definitely. I’ve never spent time away from home and I’ve had to grow up fast and be on my own. I’m glad I came here.

What is the biggest change over the years within the baseball program?
A couple of years ago we had a starting lineup of all freshmen. Now we have seasoned veterans. The atmosphere is laid back, but Coach (Damon) Day has high expectations for every one of his players and this program.

What’s the mood of the team after being ranked No. 4 in the region and having a 9-1 conference record?
I think we are confident, but we also know there is a long stretch of baseball to be played. This year we have all around better play defensively, offensively, and solid pitching.

Is Dana respected in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC)?
Not as much as we deserve. I think we have to put more talented teams away before we gain respect from our conference.

Is there anything you’d like to add?
I’m missing the Arctic Man.

What’s that?
It’s a huge “snow-machining” weekend. People from everywhere come out and just ride. There’s a race, but most people just come to have a good time.