Hawk Athletics#SOARABOVEANDBEYOND

Coach Gardner on Vasko: 'We searched a long time and finally came up with a guy of who we can really hang our hat in Ben. We held out for the right reasons and didn[apos]t settle for just anyone. We[apos]ve got someone of who we can really continue to build our program and he will enjoy being the anchor of that effort.'

High School/Club: Earned three letters in baseball and three more in football at Mount Carmel High School ... Won defensive MVP all three years of baseball ... Also won defensive MVP in football ... Was second team all-league in baseball for 2007-08 ... Had a .379 batting average ... Played for the Liquid Experience club team in San Diego, Calif. ... Team won San Diego World Series.

Personal: Born June 16, 1990 in San Diego, Calif. ... Son of Kathy and Bob Vasko ... Has two brothers, Jeff and Nick and one sister, Jaclyn ... Major is Exercise Science ... Member of the UMES Honors Program.

Out Of The Park: Pregame routine/superstitions: Tape wrists, pine tar bat and listen to music. Best sports moment: Playing El Camino High School my senior year in football. Person who has most influenced me: My dad, he pushed me to be the best. Personal best non-athletic achievement: Graduating high school. When I graduate, I plan to: Be a physical therapist. Best advice received/favorite saying: 'Take pride in who you are and what you accomplish.' Hobbies outside of sports: bodyboarding, snowboarding, going to the beach and swimming. Favorite movie: 'Dumb and Dumber.' Athletic goals for the season: Win every game. Personal athletic goal before graduation: Be all-MEAC catcher.