The Grind quick hitters: Fun facts with Wilson Hall's Clark Kinney

We featured Wilson Hall's Clark Kinney last month on The Grind, which is presented by The Bank of Clarendon. While we covered a lot in our story with Clark, there were a lot of great responses that didn't have a perfect place in the story. Now we have a chance to share some tidbits on Clark that touch on everything from his approach on the mound to his favorite meal.

Who did you grow up modeling your game after and looking up to on the diamond?

I'm a big Braves fan, so I love Austin Riley, the third baseman. I love his swing and the way he carries himself. I think he's a great role model. I do love a little bit of flashiness, a little emotion on the field and a couple of names that come to mind are Marcus Stroman, he's a pitcher that I've always loved to watch pitch, just the way he competes every pitch. And I used to be a big fan of Javier Baez. We went to Chicago and watched him play. His flashiness and the way he carried himself with a little swag.

What is your approach on the mound as you attack an at bat?

Since I've played with a lot of these people before, I kind of know their tendencies and what they like or don't like at the plate when I'm facing them. That'd be the first thing is just do I know some of their weaknesses and what are their strengths? From there, you have better days than others, but days where I can throw all (my) pitches for strikes, I do like to work backwards a lot. A lot of people say to start with a fastball and try to get ahead, but if I can get ahead with my curve that's even better.

What is special about the rivalry with Laurence Manning?

A lot of respect for Laurence Manning and everything they do. The rivalry, every time we play them, it's going to be a good game, no matter how much better they are than us or us better than then, every time it's going to be a close one. They've been good for a long time, they have a great coach and great players that know what to do and are coached well. It makes it tough. And they have a great environment on the road and at home, so it's tough to play them but it's a blast. It's something I look forward to and us seniors are all going to miss once we're gone.

How has Wilson Hall prepared you to make the jump to college at Washington & Lee?

They challenge you. I'm going to face a challenge next year, and it's nothing that I haven't seen before because they challenge me here every day, not just with schoolwork, but with anything. Being able to recognize the challenges and overcome them. They also push us to do well. They want you to do well, but they won't do it for you. Finding it inside you to do it and do it right has prepared me to not just go off to college but for my life. I'm super grateful for this place and everything they've done for me and my family. I'm gonna miss it but I'm ready to head off.

What's your pregame routine and meal/snack?

I try to get a good pregame meal in. Same thing with football, I like to be pretty light. I like to feel light on the field. I get to the field pretty early, hit in the cage, then I'll go stretch out and do my bands and plyo. I'll throw and then I'll run a little bit, and then we'll take infield and be ready to go.

I'm really into yogurt and granola. It's the Nature Valley Protein Granola and this certain time of yogurt that I probably eat once a day.

Sunflower seeds or gum?

Both, but not at the same time. I like the Bigs Sizzlin Bacon, that's probably my favorite sunflower seed, and you've got to go with the Double Bubble for baseball, for sure.

Favorite teams across sports?

I'm a Braves (fan) and I like the A's too. My next door neighbor (JP Sears) is on the A's. They're not great, but I've gotta rep the Athletics gear. In football, the Panthers are the closest, so I'm a Panthers fan at heart, sadly. Same with the Hornets.

Favorite food?

I'd have to go with steak. It's a classic.

Favorite non-athletic activity?

A fun fact about me, but I'm actually a pretty big cook. I do like to cook a lot. I love to smoke a brisket.