Peak performer: Austin Darby, Cheyenne Mountain baseball

Austin Darby is turning out to be one of Cheyenne Mountain's better imports.

The sophomore pitcher/center fielder, who moved here from Tampa, Fla., during his freshman year, led the Indians to their first baseball state title since 1962. Trailing by five in the sixth inning of Saturday's championship game, Cheyenne Mountain pulled off an astonishing comeback to win 9-8 over Mountain View. Darby's pitching performance that morning made it all possible as the Indians' ace led the way in a 6-1 win over Wheat Ridge in the elimination game.

What kind of momentum did that win over Wheat Ridge give you?
It was huge for our confidence going into the championship game. We knew that Wheat Ridge had beaten Mountain View so we thought we should be able to beat both of them. We thought for sure we had just won the title right there. But then we saw Mountain View's No. 1 (pitcher), and we got down early.

What stands out in your mind about the comeback?
Just how we managed to put together those hits. I think losing was going through everyone's minds, and we pulled it together. In the bottom of the sixth, me and Colin Bates had base hits, and Nick Schoon walked to load the bases. (Mitch) Magrini hit that grand slam to make it 7-6, and we were back in it. I think we knew at that point we could win it, and no one was willing to let it go.

How important is it for Cheyenne Mountain to win this title after 47 years?
This was huge, definitely. I think that was the year before my dad was born. (laughs) But everybody was really surprised this year. We knew we were going to be strong, but everyone thought, ‘Oh Cheyenne Mountain has never really been good in baseball.' We were 17-2 in the regular season, but I think a lot of the Denver schools didn't take Metro league that seriously. Hopefully we've changed that.

Your coach, Bernie Moncallo, says you thrive in pressure situations - do you like it when the game is on the line?
I feel like I can get the job done in a pinch. Lots of people get the jitters, but it's just another at-bat or another pitch for me. I feel like I've got to get it done for the team, and we've got to get that win. It gives me an extra boost.

How difficult is it to watch other pitchers work from center field?
We have four really solid pitchers, which is what we said from the beginning was going to make us good this year. But just being on the mound makes the game go by faster and you feel like you can control the outcome. It's really hard going back to outfield and knowing that you can't do anything and that your arm is done. But then, you just focus on doing the best you can in the field and trying to make every defensive play you can.

Why did your family come to Colorado Springs?
Both my parents were born and raised in Tampa, and I think they were just tired of the crime and stuff and wanted to move somewhere nicer. We came here and visited, and we thought it was beautiful and really liked how friendly everyone is here. We moved in January of my freshman year. I'm glad because it's given me the chance to meet some great people, especially my teammates.

Where will you be playing this summer and fall?
Cheyenne Mountain has a summer team that I'll play on with guys from our team and around the city. We've got guys from Rampart and Widefield, and just some good talent on the team. Then in the fall, I'm going to play for Cherry Creek's team and see some players from Denver.

What will you be working toward as far as your hitting?
I am going to be looking a lot at off-speed. I did a pretty good job this year with the fastball and occasionally the curve, but I want to be able to hit everything and not just be a fastball hitter.

Any new pitches for next year?
I have four pitches right now (fastball, curve, slider, change-up), but I am really confident on my fastball. I throw the curve and slider a lot for righties, so I feel good there. ... I'm always looking for new ways to shut down batters. I think that's one of the best feelings in baseball. Aside from hitting a home run.

Which is the best?
I would have to say the home run. Hitting has always been my favorite.