Much like firefighting and riding four-wheelers with his family, baseball has always been a coveted part of Corey Eckenfels’ life.The Warrenton senior, now in his third year of varsity, is enjoying a successful final season in a Warriors’ uniform.When the high school season concludes he will don a Post 122 Legion uniform like he does each summer.Eckenfels is extremely passionate about several aspects of his life. Other phases have come and gone — including an attempt at playing basketball and soccer.Football and especially baseball have sustained. This season the converted first-baseman is eager to achieve a pair of teams goals.During football season last fall Eckenfels’ offensive load increased substantially, as he began getting the bulk of the Warriors’ touches at running back. He finished the season as the top scorer with nine touchdowns and second in rushing with 379 yards on 79 carries.When not competing in sports, Eckenfels is active in the FFA and the Warrenton Fire and Police Explorers. He has been a part of the fire department for four years now.He ultimately aspires to work in law enforcement but says his initial plans are to join the union and become a laborer for Marschel Wrecking. He later plans to attend Ranken to become certified in operating heavy machinery.Eckenfels says he anticipates earning a degree in criminal justice at a later point.Q: If you had to pick just one sport to play, which would you choose and why?“Definitely baseball, because it’s always been my favorite sport. I got into football for a while but the memories of baseball are the greatest.”Q: What was it like carrying a heavier offensive load in football last season?“I thought it was awesome. I wish we could have pushed through for a couple more wins, but besides it felt great. I started out the season as first-string linebacker, and I stepped up my game to become our first-string running back about halfway through the season.”Q: What is your most memorable football experience?“Probably the Orchard Farm game, even though we came out with a loss. I kept driving all over them, and they couldn’t stop me up the middle every time. Then the St. Charles’ game was awesome. I’m not a speed guy, but I was able to get a couple breakaways and a good win.”Q: What was the hardest you got hit last season?“It was against Zumwalt East, because they had some pretty big boys up front. One dude was a monster. I had to go head up with him one time, and I lowered my head and felt everything compress.”Q: Did you ever consider playing a winter sport?“I attempted the whole basketball thing, but I was flat-out horrible at it. I got cut my seventh-grade year, and tried out the next year in middle school and got cut again.”Q: What do you enjoy most about baseball?“I really like the team aspect of it. Our baseball team bonds really well. We have a lot of fun but we also know when to get down to business. We’ve been able to improve a lot as a program too.”Q: What areas of your game have improved the most?“I would say my defensive game, because I never really played first base. I grew up as an outfielder, and last year Jakob Junker got hurt, so I decided to step up and try to play first base, and it ended up working out well.”Q: What are your goals for the next month?“I want to win a conference championship and a district championship and hopefully get the 2014 team up on the board.”Q: What impression do you hope to have left on WHS?“I feel like I’m always a huge team guy. I’m really vocal, and I might make a lot of people mad, but I don’t back down about making sure everybody’s stepping up.”Q: What are you most looking forward to over the next month?“I’ve always looked forward to getting out on my own and start achieving my goals. I have a lot of big plans, so I be able to get a nice job and maybe trying to move out in the next year or two. I love where I live, but I’ve always had a goal of getting out on my own.”Q: What do you enjoy most about firefighting?“Since my dad joined my kindergarten year I’ve always been at the firehouse hanging out. I couldn’t wait until the day I was 14, because that’s when you become a junior (firefighter). I was excited, because I’ve always wanted to be like my dad in a lot of different aspects. So, I just kept pursuing my dream.”Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?“My dad. Both of my parents have always pushed me to be the best I can. I’ve put them through a lot, especially during my middle school years with attitude problems and discipline. The person they’ve taught me to be now is awesome. I can see myself progressing every year.”Q: What are your plans for the summer?“Hanging out with my girlfriend and riding four-wheelers or going to our lake house at Farmington.”Favorite Food: “Leftover Spaghetti.”Favorite Restaurant: “El Jimador.”Favorite TV Show: “Lizard Lick Towing.”Favorite Movie: “Entire Fast and Furious series.”Favorite Song: “Watching You by Rodney Adkins.”Favorite Musician: “Jason Aldean.”— Compiled by Record Sports Editor Derrick ForsytheATHLETE OF THE MONTHDerrick Forsythe Photo.