The 2008 all-area baseball squad, from left to right: Brock McGinnis and Broone Heston, Oskaloosa High; Matthew Abel and Chad Krutz, Eudora; Joe Kombrust and Aaron Rea, Lawrence High; John Wilson, Jordan Dreiling, Cody Kukuk, Caleb Gress and coach Mike Hill, Free State High. Mark Steward, McLouth High, is not pictured.

Oskaloosa High senior Boone Heston remembers being bullied by older, stronger, more experienced opponents when he was a freshman.

It’s not a memory he likes to recall.

“We’ve struggled in high school sports over the years,” Heston said. “This year’s senior class played a lot as a freshmen, and we lost a lot. I can remember thinking, ‘Why are we out here.’ But being out there and taking our lumps paid off in the end.”

Never was that more obvious than during the 2008 baseball season, when Heston and a talented group of upperclassmen led the Bears to the best record in school history (15-6) and within a game of the Class 3A state tournament.

Although his personality speaks otherwise, Heston was a huge reason for the Bears’ success. At some point during the season, he played every position except catcher.

“It’s tough,” he said. “Because you never get used to playing one position. But I’ve always been a team player, always been a utility guy. I just tried to do my best wherever the team needed me.”

Often that was on the mound, where Heston finished the season 8-1 as a starter. He tossed three shutouts, struck out 62 and had an earned-run average of 1.90. He leaves OHS as the all-time leader in victories (16) and strikeouts (148).

But he only thought of himself as a pitcher half the time.

“I’m a pitcher when I’m on the mound, but that’s about it,” he said. “And I can be whatever kind of pitcher you want. If one pitch isn’t working, I’ll go to another one. I kind of like to play mind games with the hitters.”

Heston’s contribution this season was not limited to the mound. While hitting second in the batting order, he logged a .364 average, smashed 24 hits, scored 21 runs, drove in 16 more and finished with five doubles and three triples.

What makes Heston’s baseball production all the more impressive is that he delivered while starring part-time for the Bears’ track and field squad. As the team’s top discus thrower, Heston won the Class 3A regional title and finished third at the state track meet.

In addition to baseball and track, Heston was a rare, four-sport athlete as a senior, also contributing for the basketball and football teams.

“Boone is the most versatile player that we have had at Oskaloosa in the eight years I have been involved with the program,” OHS coach Rod Stottlemire said. “He is a throwback player who plays the game with hustle and determination.”