Inductee #4 (2002)
	6 Monty Kauk | SS Hometown: Leedey, OK School: Leedey High School Played from 1977-78 College: Southwestern Notes: First Traveler to ever hit over .400. Owns record for most doubles (38). Played college ball at SWOSU.

When Traveler fans argue about the greatest Traveler player ever, Monty Kauk's name can't help but enter into the discussion.

Kauk never played in the big leagues. He was never drafted, nor did he ever play a lick of pro ball. Shoot, he didn't even play at a Division-I college. But for two summers in Woodward, Monty was as good of a player the Traveler program has seen in more than 40 years.

One word best describes Monty Kauk - Winner. A winner that did it on guts, hustle and determination. And that's why some feel he was the best Traveler player ever.

Monty grew up in Leedey, Oklahoma and was the second of three Kauk brothers that had tremendous careers with the Travelers. Brothers Kevin and Bryan were very talented and put up big numbers, but Monty surpassed them all with his speed and all-around brilliant play.

Monty broke in during the transition to the aluminum bat era, but the early versions of the aluminum bat were a far cry from the souped-up models produced today. His .429 batting average of 1977 was the first .400 season ever by a Traveler. The mark looked unbreakable until Gregg Ward shattered it in 1982 (.492).

The modern players and improved sticks started making .400-plus hitters a regular in the program, but it was Monty who set the standard as the first to break the barrier.

Monty's first season (1977) is one of the most remarkable seasons ever. He batted .429, collecting 123 hits in 87 games (third most hits ever). Along the way he scored 106 runs, drove in 93 RBI and mashed 38 doubles - a record that has been threatened just once (Rebel Ridling with 36 in 2005) in 28 years.

All this from a leadoff hitter. Yes, he had 93 RBI in 87 games as the leadoff hitter. In fact only twelve players in Traveler history have driven in more runs. Had he been in the middle of the order, he may have set an unbreakable RBI record also.

Monty also set the bar for infielders of the future. He set a record by throwing out 166 runners in 1977 from his shortstop position - the most assists per games played in Traveler history. This record held until 1984 when Monty Fariss collected 178 in 98 games played.

Monty's biggest Traveler moment came in 1978 at the Tony Andenucio Tournament in Pueblo, CO. In one game, Kauk collected four hits (three of which were doubles), drove in all five Traveler runs and scored the game-winning run on a passed ball that never left the dirt circle of home plate. And as if that weren't enough, he then came in to close the game on the mound, striking out the side.

Coach Bob Ward dubbed the effort as the "Monty Kauk show."

Monty played college ball at Southwestern. He now lives back in Leedey, watching his son grow into a solid ballplayer as well.

Kauk was known as a player that could take over games offensively and defensively, and was a true winner on and off the field. He has left a mark on Traveler history that is talked about each summer. And his lofty numbers are goals that players - still today - shoot for.

Simply put, Kauk had the best combination of speed, power, strength and drive of any Traveler in history.

His name may not be as high-profile as Carman, Minor, Gore or FarissÖbut his play was.