Rhonda Frasher Croutch / Induction in 2013

Rhonda-Frasher-Croutch-plaque-photo

Rhonda Frasher Croutch

A powerful force on the softball diamond, she amassed unmatched statistics during her three years as a varsity standout. A three-time Jack Pine Conference First Team selection, she led her teams through a deep, competitive league, and while she was a shutdown defender at shortstop and an anchor on the mound, it was her bat that propelled the Beaverettes to victory. The classic epitome of a tough out, her slugging skills were on full display during her junior campaign, when she hit for the cycle twice and played the entire season without striking out.

Softball

All Conference – Sophomore, Junior and Senior seasons
Midland Daily News All Area team – Junior season
Coach/Assistant Coach 1984-91
Hit for cycle twice in Junior season; played entire season without striking out
Led team in hitting with .539 average with 43 RBIs and 7 home runs in sophomore season

Like many players in your day, you played multiple sports. Which was your favorite and why?

Softball. I started playing when I was six years old - it was a family thing. My parents were my first coaches until we moved from Brighton to Beaverton. It was just something we always did and always enjoyed doing.

Who were some of the teammates who brought out the best in you?

Tammy Tyre, Tammy Cingano. They were good players, good teammates and great friends.

Do you remember other teams that gave you problems? If so, who were they?

Meridian. They always seemed to have good pitching and were always the team to beat.

What are the best and worst things about high school athletics since you have graduated?

It seems to have become more serious and competitive than about having fun. Also, as a coach, I realized that some parents are unrealistic about their kids and their expectations.

Who were the coaches you learned from the most, and what did he or she teach you?

My mom, Tim and Robin Grove and Renee Pepellion. Coach Pepellion was my freshman coach, then she moved to varsity and brought me up with her. I really liked her; she was fair and taught us to be a team. She taught us to treat all the others the same.

What are three of your favorite memories during your playing days?

My junior year, I went the entire year without striking out once. I played every game and usually batted three or four times per game, so that was quite an accomplishment for me.

Hitting for the cycle twice in one year.

Finishing one game back of Meridian in the Jack Pine Conference.

Who was your all time favorite BHS player?

Tammy Tyre.

How does it feel to be enshrined into the Beaverton Athletic Hall of Fame?

It is a big accomplishment. I am proud to be inducted, especially for what I am going through with multiple sclerosis. My family and friends are the reason that I am able to keep going - their support and friendship means everything. The only thing I can't do is walk. There is nothing I can do to change my condition, so I choose to put a smile on my face and keep going. I am very thankful for being inducted into the Hall of Fame.