Worcester Telegram & Gazette: "Leominster Runners Keep Lancers On Go"
Worcester State senior Ryan LaPrade always seems to be on the run. If it's not on the base paths, then it's chasing fires for his Web site, rlfirephotography.com
Leominster runners keep Lancers on go
May 5, 2010
By Jennifer Toland, Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Worcester State senior Ryan
LaPrade always seems to be on the run. If it's not on the
base paths, then it's chasing fires for his Web site,
rlfirephotography.com.
Senior T.J. Magnell isn't afraid to take a chance
on the base paths either. His aggressive approach actually cost him
a few games last season. In a conference game against Salem State,
he broke from third to steal home, took a hard step to slide around
the catcher, dove for the plate, and ended up tearing his hip
flexor.
"I was safe," Magnell said, "so it was good."
LaPrade and Magnell, former Leominster High teammates and Worcester
State's standout double-play combination, have been two of the key
performers for the Lancers as they close in on their second
straight 30-win season and prepare for this week's MASCAC
tournament.
"The season has gone real well and we've worked hard to come
together," Magnell said.
Worcester State (28-9-1) plays at Framingham State at 7 p.m.
tomorrow in a first-round game.
"Ryan and T.J. both play so hard," coach Dirk
Baker said. "Now, the challenge for them as seniors is to
go out with a championship."
LaPrade, the Lancers' four-year starting second baseman, and
Magnell, the shortstop, have performed at the top of WSC's batting
order this year. LaPrade leads the MASCAC in stolen bases, and has
been successful on 21 of 23 attempts.
Magnell, meanwhile, tops the conference in runs scored, is third in
hits, and 10th in batting average.
Defensively, they've been dynamite in the middle of Worcester
State's infield.
"We've been together for so long, so there's a lot of chemistry,"
said LaPrade, who has also been Magnell's Babe Ruth, American
Legion and summer league teammate. "We know each other, what each
other is going to do, and we just play off each other."
Magnell transferred to Worcester State last year after two years at
Bryant. He batted .330 last season while splitting his time between
shortstop and third. He has started every game at short this year
and has committed just one error in his last 15 games. Magnell
leads the team with 15 multi-hit games and had a 16-game hitting
streak earlier in the year.
LaPrade has been solid at second base as well, with just four
errors.
LaPrade is a freelance photographer and his Web site features some
vivid images. He submits and sells photos to 1st Responder News,
fire investigators, police departments and insurance adjusters.
"My Web site is designed to show people all over the country the
types of sacrifice and commitment that firefighters put into each
and every job they go to," LaPrade wrote on the home page.
LaPrade is an auxiliary fireman in Holden and hopes to work for the
Worcester Fire Department after graduation. He recently took the
Civil Service exam.
"I spent a lot of time at the station with my uncle ( Leominster
firefighter Scott LaPrade)," LaPrade said. "All kids want to grow
up to be a fireman or a policeman, and I still do. I never grew out
of it."
