Sophomore Grant Moore walked onto the field for the first day of baseball tryouts; slightly nervous, but confident. He later learned he had earned his spot as a catcher on the varsity team.
“Im excited about getting to know everyone this year,” Moore said. “And winning games.”
Moore is not the only new underclassman on varsity this season. Several underclassmen have been added. After a large loss of seniors, senior Chad Watkins says they had to recruit some new talent, but that he is confident in the outcome of the season after the team gets a few games under their belt.
“I feel like the team can get a lot better through experience, offensive-wise; defense is pretty solid,” Watkins said. “I think we just need to be more aggressive on the plate.”
Players like Watkins and Brady Moore, who played on varsity prior to this year, are eager to get to know the new players and their strengths. Having experienced players as well as newcomers also helps to bring the new ones out of their shells and create friendships.
“I think having some sophomores on the team will be a good thing and a learning experience for the seniors,” Brady said. “We want the program to go on, thats how the seniors before us were and thats how we want to be.”
For Watkins and Brady, this season will be their last season to play with the Broncos. However, both are hopeful for a great season and possible post-season playoff victories. Brady said that his ultimate goal would be to win state as a senior this year.
“I think every single person on the team would cry tears of joy if we did well,” Brady said. “Just because of how hard we work as a team throughout the year.”