S-C’s Zeiler to Play Baseball at University of Saint Mary

Smith-Cotton High School senior Hayden Zeiler has accepted athletic and academic scholarships to play baseball at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Zeiler, the son of Amy Smith and Steven Zeiler, is a four-year varsity player for the Tigers baseball team. Entering this season, he had earned three varsity letters and batted .250 with 16 RBI and 17 stolen bases.

S-C Baseball Head Coach Kyle Zimmerman said: “Hayden has been a major cog for us in the outfield for several years now. He solidifies our defense up the middle and helps keep our lineup moving on offense. We are very excited to follow his journey at the next level and we will be rooting for him.”

Saint Mary Baseball Head Coach Bruce Peddie said Zeiler will help replenish outfield depth for the Spires, who are graduating five of their six outfielders this year.

“From an offensive standpoint, (Zeiler) has room to grow; he has a good, solid swing right now. With our weight program, that will really help him with his growth and strength,” Peddie said. “We just need guys who can go out and track the ball down. (Saint Mary’s) is not a big field, but it’s bigger than most in our league. We’ve got to have guys who get singles-doubles, that’s kind of our offense, and generate from there; he fits into that plan.”

Peddie also praised Zeiler’s dedication. “Our biggest selling point is you’re going to get a great education, but with our program you have to be committed, and he’s certainly done everything that we have asked of him,” Peddie said.

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In the photo: (Courtesy of Sedalia School District 200) Smith-Cotton High School senior Hayden Zeiler has accepted athletic and academic scholarships to play baseball at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas. Seated with him is his mother, Amy Smith, and father, Steven Zeiler; back row, from left, are Sedalia 200 Superintendent Dr. Todd Fraley, S-C Baseball Assistant Coach Alex Lang, grandmother Nancy Smith, Saint Mary Baseball Head Coach Bruce Peddie, step mother Tammy Zeiler, S-C Baseball Head Coach Kyle Zimmerman and S-C Activities Director Kyle Middleton.