How long have you played baseball?

Cyrus: I was three years old when my dad and I played catch for the first time. Ever since then, I have not stopped.

Do you play any other sports?

Cyrus: Throughout my middle school and high school years I have competed in football and track but I put those sports aside to focus on baseball. 

How do you balance your time between sports and academics or other activities?

Cyrus: My academics have always come first, then baseball. I make sure I am on top of all of my classes and assignments throughout the offseason and while in season. 

Do you have any goals this year in baseball/academics?

Cyrus: My goal this year, as a team, is to make it back to the state tournament, and bring the trophy back home to Collinsville.  Academics will be a 4.0 GPA. 

What professional athlete do you model your game after and why?

Cyrus: Tom Brady. Although we play different sports, the love he shows for his sport is unmatched by anyone who has ever played, and he shows that age is truly just a number.  His work ethic is off the chart. 

What is your favorite drill to do in training?

Cyrus: My favorite training drills are short and long pics, as well as cone drills that require me to move my feet to come get a ground ball. 

What are your strengths and what have you improved on the most over the course of your high school career?

Cyrus: My overall strength and conditioning has improved the most. It has increased my velo across the diamond, on the mound, and exit velo at the plate. 

What are your thoughts on the upcoming season from both an individual and team standpoint?

Cyrus: As a team, we want to make it back to state. Individually, being a senior, I am willing to do what I can to help our team compete. Lead by example. Team-first attitude. 

What’s your most memorable baseball moment during your high school career?

Cyrus: My favorite memory was during the 2022 regional championship game. I hit a three-run home run off the scoreboard to help our team advance to the 5A State Tournament. 

What do you love most about being a student-athlete at your school and why?

Cyrus: My favorite part is being able to truly show what a Collinsville Cardinal baseball player is about. Putting others before yourself and always finding a way to accomplish goals the right way.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? What are some of your hobbies?

Cyrus: In my free time, I enjoy weight lifting, hunting, and fishing.

What are some baseball achievements you’ve had during your career?

Cyrus: Class 5A-4 All-District Designated Hitter and Best in the US National Showcase Team 1 MVP – Chase Field, Arizona.

What qualities do you think make someone a good teammate or leader?

Cyrus: To be a good leader and a good teammate you must stay humble. Respect everyone. Respect the game. Everyone on the team serves a purpose to accomplish the end goal. 

Is there a particular game or tournament that you’re excited for this season?

Cyrus: I am pumped for the regional tournament. Taking it one game at a time to make it back to the state tournament. 

What are your plans after high school?

Cyrus: My plans after high school is to play college baseball for the next four years, and then focus on my career in the medical field. 

Collinsville head coach Tony Reeder on Kornegay: “Cyrus is one of our few returning starters that have both experience on the mound and at the plate. He will be relied on heavily to help lead this young bunch through the 2023 season.”