A Pitcher‑Hitter Who Redefines the Program
Caleb Rutherford, a senior at Zillah High School, has emerged as the centerpiece of a baseball revival that has taken the Leopards from obscurity to the brink of a state championship.
Under the guidance of Coach Drew Van Kemseke, who assumed leadership of the program prior to the 2025 season, Rutherford’s dual-threat abilities — pitching with a 1.57 ERA and striking out 91 batters while batting .385 — have become the catalyst for a shared SCAC title and a berth in the state tournament.
The Leopards, long recognized more for their basketball heritage than for baseball, are now poised to prove they are a multi‑sport powerhouse, aiming to capture their first state title since 2014 and to silence the notion that they are merely a basketball town.
Rutherford’s preparation is relentless; he spends countless hours perfecting his four‑seam fastball, adding velocity through disciplined mechanics, and studying the game to stay ahead of opponents. His mindset of constant improvement mirrors the team’s collective drive.
Off the field, Rutherford plans to pursue a physical therapy degree at Whitworth University, where he hopes to continue his baseball career while preparing for a future in healthcare. The upcoming matchup against Overlake/Bear Creek, with a potential quarterfinal showdown against the winner of Castle Rock and Cashmere, will test the team’s resolve.