With baseball season in full swing, we take a look back at one of Wayne’s most decorated hitters. Hitting fastballs through the defense was Columbus native Greg Cruickshank’s specialty.

The 1985 alumnus was the ‘Cats first baseman for four seasons, breaking records in the process. Cruickshank is the current record holder of the most RBIs in a single season with 80 while being in the top ten in three others.

“I chose Wayne because I wanted to teach and play baseball. They had tremendous success in both areas,” Cruickshank said. “Also, my father attended here. I knew it was the place to be.”

The right hander had a lot of help from a very deep roster. The team set records in walks and triples, among other categories.

“Time has a way of separating teammates, but it is pretty nice to catch up with the guys when possible,” Cruickshank said.

“My favorite memory as a Wildcat was winning the Nebraska championship in ’83 and making it to nationals. Knowing that all the season’s hard work had paid off while being with an awesome core of guys was so rewarding. Our coaching staff had always believed in us and put us in the best situation to win, and we did.”

Many fond memories have happened since then.

The last time the whole “gang” got together as a team was in the fall of 2010 to golf and celebrate the introduction of teammate Bill Schwartz into the WSC Hall of Fame.

“I wish my golf swing was as good as my batting back in the day,” Cruickshank chuckled.

When he’s not shanking balls off the green, he’s hard at work. Cruickshank is currently serving as the superintendent in his home town of Sydney, Iowa, as well as South Page schools. Before that, he coached girls’ basketball while superintendent in Homer, Neb.

Cruickshank’s favorite accomplishment, though, hasn’t dealt with baseball or teaching, but being a husband of 25 years to his wife Lynda and having two children, Kara and Casey.
“Playing for Wayne State was lots of fun and wouldn’t change it for the world, but it fails in comparison to being a husband/dad.”

This family man has made a name for himself, not just as a tremendous slugger or teacher, but as an even greater person.