Prior to last fall, Dallas Deroy knew he possessed unique speed, but it had only been revealed in short doses around the base paths.A longtime baseball player, the recent Wright City graduate used his quickness to steal bases and effectively execute bunts, as well as provide a threat in the outfield.But when the thought of running cross country entered his mind as a senior, he decided to go for it. Turns out, Deroy was a natural.During his first and only season as a distance runner, he earned a trip to state along with a plethora of medals from individual meets. Deroy cut nearly two minutes off his 5K time from start to finish.But when cross country season was over it was time for Deroy to get back to the diamond, where his true passion exists. This spring he pitched and played outfield for Wright City, finishing among the team’s top hitters with a .417 batting average. He scored 15 runs and was responsible for eight RBIs, despite a season that was interrupted by a bout with mono.Once cleared, Deroy was able to return to the mound, where he made three appearances, going 1-2 and struck out 18 through 18 innings pitched.When not committed to a sport, Deroy spent much of his time performing in the Wildcat Pride Marching Band. He plays the french horn, mellophone, guitar, drums and banjo.Deroy also earned his Eagle Scout status, building a set of ladder shelves for the Open Hearts Methodist Church in Wright City.This summer he is playing for the Post 122 Senior Legion team, for which he has struck out six during four innings on the mound. Deroy has also proven to be one of the team’s best bunters and threats on the base paths.In the past, he spent three summers playing select baseball, including a most recent stint with the SLABA Stallions.Deroy is planning to attend St. Charles Community College to study music education and ultimately become a band director.Q: What made you want to become an Eagle Scout?“In first grade I told my mom I wanted to be an Eagle Scout. So, she put me in Cub Scouts. We were probably the most athletic Boy Scout group you’ll ever see. I was very lucky to be a part of that group.”Q: How did you develop a passion for baseball?“When I first started playing rec ball when I was really young, I was pretty much the worst player. But I noticed myself getting better and how I was blooming into a pretty good player. It was rewarding to see my work paying off, and I started to enjoy the game.”Q: What is your most memorable baseball experience?“Hitting a home run against Orchard Farm during my first full game back from mono. That was a shocker to everyone.”Q: What would you say is your signature pitch?“Definitely my 12-6 curve ball. I’m not that big of a guy, so I don’t throw very hard.”Q: What is your best attribute as a baseball player?“My speed in the outfield and on the base paths.”Q: How did you decide to run cross country?“I had a lot of friends that did, and I wanted to be part of the camaraderie. We bonded while being so successful together. I saw how it had affected my friends, and I just wanted to be a part of that chemistry.”Q: Were you surprised at your success?“I was very surprised. I knew I was a good sprinter, but I never thought I’d be successful as a distance runner. I guess I proved myself wrong.”Q: What was it like competing at the state meet?“It was very exciting, because we met some really cool runners from Grain Valley. I just wanted to be able to lead the race for the first mile.”Q: What interested you so much about band?“I love the mindset of performance. I like being in front of people and interacting with people through performance.”Q: How has music played a role in your life?“I’ve been playing guitar in my church since my freshman year. It’s not only a hobby, but whenever I’ve had a bad day, I can go home and play my guitar, and it relaxes me.Q: What are your summer plans?“I’ve been working with horses with my dad. I want to take over his horse-training business one day. I’ve also been working at the golf course at Innsbrook.”Q: What is your best pitching moment?“I got to pitch on the Memphis University field. That’s my favorite college, so pitcing on their field was a surreal experience.”Q: What is something unique about you?“How I’m a well-rounded and have a lot of different activities I’m interested in. I have sort of an uncommon resume.”Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your life? “Mr. Mabrey. He always shared his stories about his music and hockey life, and it always inspired me how he balanced the two.”Favorite Food:“Imo’s Pizza.”Favorite Restaurant: “Imo’s.”Favorite TV Show:“Family Guy.”Favorite Movie:“Step Brothers.”Favorite Song:“Ticks by Brad Paisley.”ATHLETE OF THE MONTH — Dallas DeroyDerrick Forsythe photo.