Coming into the high school baseball season, Coach Nate Ennis looked at senior Brook's Cluver as a super-utility player who could plug and play at several positions.

The senior was targeted to be the team's first basemen, then transitioned to third base, and about a month ago was thrust into the the catching role. Coach Ennis explains an injury to his sophomore catcher Josh Bass left him searching for a catcher so he tossed the opportunity out to his team and it was Cluver who stepped up to take over.

For Cluver, when he started preparing to catch, he was focused on re-establishing those defensive habits and wanted to be able to be reliable behind the plate for his pitcher and the defense behind him. It had been several years since the senior had thrown on the catching gear.

Coach Ennis credits Cluver's work to get himself ready to catch and his staff management. He feels the senior's strong arm has benefitted him moving back behind the plate.

When a position change like this is thrust on a player at any level, sometimes the offensive production can take a hit because of the focus on the switch. Cluver admits his pitching had a brief drop-off as he made the transition.

Cluver's favorite thing about being behind the plate is trying to throw guys out and admits he gets amped up when the opponent gets on base because he's ready for them to try to steal.

Coach Ennis notes that while Bass has returned, he will not catch again this year so Cluver is going to be the Maroons' no. 1 catcher going forward, however, having Bass back in the lineup with the bat is adding to the lineup's depth.

The Maroons finish up the regular season today (Friday) and Monday before they start Regional play next Thursday taking on Tri-Valley at the Monticello Regional.

Hear Maroons postseason action on WHOW and all its digital platforms.