Assistant editor Mandi Mooney interviewed the spring coaches about their thoughts on their seasons, as well as a preview of the coming tournaments. (Women’s tennis coach Marvin Glover and golf coach Tony Wallingford were unavailable for comment.)
Q: How do you feel your team performed this season?
Clark (baseball): By winning 32 games with 20 freshmen, I thought we
achieved more than a lot of people thought we would.
Holly (softball): Overall the team has done very well as we are tied at
the top in the AAC with a 22-4 record and 37-12 overall record. Having started
five freshmen, I think we have had a great season.
Layne (track): At this point in the season we have five athletes
qualified for nationals, but it’s still early.
Q: Did the team meet your goals for this season?
Holly: Our goal, of course, is to win the AAC and advance to the regional
tournament. As it stands now, we will accomplish both those goals and we will
have to just wait and see how far we do advance in post-season.
Aubrey (men’s tennis): Actually, we were hoping we might be able to
advance to the regional tournament.
Q: Did any players have an exceptional season or exhibited great
improvement?
Clark: Dustin Price has had a great season; he has led us in our offense.
Holly: Brandy Waddle and Traci Harrison have had a great season in the
pitching department. Brandy stands at 16-6 and Traci is 13-3. Shelby Banion has
also done a great job catching both the pitchers. I have to also give Megan
Aldridge credit, as a freshman she has done a tremendous job of hitting as she
leads our team in RBIs.
Layne: We’ve seen steady improvement from the entire team to date, but
Josh Ferry stands out with his 1:52 800-meter run at Brevard. This was not only
the fifth fastest time in the nation but also qualified him for the USA Junior
National Championships in Buffalo, Ny. this summer.
Aubrey: Tom Jones made the All-Conference team; Patrick Mitchell made the
AAC All-Academic Team and the All-Sportsmanship Team; Adam Campbell led the team
with 10 singles wins.
Q: What seniors are on the team and how have they contributed this
season?
Clark: Brad Hitch, Richard Markland, Brian Miller, Chris Shockley, Chad
Davis and Todd Speas. Todd, Chris, and Chad are all starters in the pitching
staff, Richard has been a middle relief pitcher. Brad Hitch has started at
shortstop for three years, and Brian Miller has started at first base.
Holly: Shelby Banion and Ellen Stoots. Both have been very valuable to
our team as they have played different positions, do whatever has been ask of
them, and given of their leadership skills to our younger players.
Aubrey: Adam Campbell had an outstanding senior season; singles record of
10-5.