QUICK Q&A:  JOEL KLINKHAMMER, SENIOR, LAKEVILLE NORTH

With a 4-0 record, the righthanded pitcher is solidifying Lakeville North's pitching corps. The Panthers' ace was dominant during his first four games. He allowed only one earned run and 12 hits in 262/3 innings.

To what do you attribute your fast start? It's always nice to have great defense behind you. When you know you have defense behind you, and you can put the ball in play, it helps you to work fast. It's easier to throw the ball over the middle of the plate.

What are your goals this year? To be all-conference. That's something I've always wanted to reach. I really want to make state tournament.

Are you planning on playing college ball? I've talked to Northern State University, which is a Division II [school] in Aberdeen, S.D. I've also talked to Stout (in Menomonie, Wis). Those two schools have shown the most interest in me.

What's your pitching strength? Working fast. It keeps your infielders and outfielders in focus. From a skills standpoint, hitting my spots. I don't throw hard. I let them get themselves out.

What pitches do you throw? I have a four-seam fastball, which I use to set up pitches. But my two-seam has so much movement on it. I've been developing my changeup. That's probably been my best pitch this season. My curveball, I'm working on fixing that again.

To whom do you attribute your success? I really want to thank my coaches for all they've done. The biggest person that I have to thank is my grandpa. He's never missed a game in my entire life. When I went to Las Vegas, when I went Arizona and when I went to Florida, there was just not a time that he missed. He's 82 years old, and he still pushes my grandma up to every game. I give everything to him for what he's done.

CALVIN SWANSON