Seibu Lions' second-round draft pick, infielder Takumu Imaoka (18) of Kamimura Gakuen, vowed on the 13th to win early registration as a regular player, inspired by the heroic performance of his alma mater, which won the National High School Soccer Championship for the first time.
As the 12th, the day of the final, was a day off from the rookie joint voluntary training, he visited MUFG Kunitachi Stadium to watch the game live. He sat in the cheering section of his alma mater and shouted at the top of his lungs. In particular, forward Hajime Hidaka (3rd year), who was the top scorer with 7 goals, is a classmate and he is in regular contact with him. Looking at his friend running around on the pitch, he said, "It's a different sport, but it was very inspiring. My teammates are working so hard, so I have to work hard too." The excitement conveyed in his voice had not cooled down even after a night had passed.
On the first day of the second round of rookie joint voluntary training, after warming up, he practiced knocking and tee hitting. "My body was flexible after the break, so I'll keep moving and make sure I don't get injured," he said, carefully checking his condition.
In his second year, he played in the 2012 Senbatsu Tournament as the third batter and shortstop, making a major contribution to the team's advancement to the semi-finals. In his third year, he became captain and led the team to an appearance at the summer Koshien. Hidaka has also received an offer to join from J2 Omiya, and there is a possibility that both of them will start a new professional career this year. "I hope we can both work hard and improve together, aiming to reach the top. I want to do my best," he said, looking ahead to an early promotion to the regular team. (Oonaka Ayami)
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