If you ask Monett head coach Michael Calhoun, he'll tell you that last season left something to be desired as the Cubs found themselves walking off the field for the final time in 2015.
On paper, he certainly has a point – especially considering his team went into the district tournament with a 20-6 record and thoughts of a deep playoff run. However, that dream fell short at the hands of a tough Carl Junction group in the district title game.
The defeat also spelled the end of the road for five seniors, including a trio of 1st Team all-district performers in Blake Spain, Jordan Hall and Kyle McCallister.
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“We had an extremely strong class of seniors that worked hard and will be very difficult to replace,” Calhoun said. “They gave me everything they had for their four years and can be very proud of what they help the program accomplish during that span.”
The good news for Calhoun, who has spent 16 years coaching the Cubs, is that there's plenty of talent left over to get the Monett faithful excited once again.
And it all starts with senior pitcher/left fielder Cameron Witt, who batted a gaudy .481 at the plate with 28 RBIs and 15 stolen bases, while going 6-2 on the mound with a 3.04 ERA.
One of the most potent players on the diamond in the Ozarks, Witt received 1st Team All-State, All-District and All-Conference honors last season.
“He is not only an excellent pitcher and outfielder, but a great student and young man,” Calhoun said of Witt. “I look at him to hopefully continue his great play for another season.”
Witt will be complemented by fellow senior Brett Gollhofer, who is a viable option to replace McCallister at catcher. McCallister hit .295 with six doubles a year ago.
“Brett is a very competitive young man,” Calhoun said. “I am looking for him to continue to work at his game both defensively and at the plate. We will need his leadership and work ethic this season.”
Three other senior starters, Blake Moore (OF), Jorden Henson (UT) and John Sanders (RF), round out the senior class on the varsity squad. In addition, four junior starters return for Monett as well – creating a strong group of upperclassmen.
Playing in the notably strong Big 8 Conference, Monett certainly has a challenging schedule ahead of them – highlighted by an Apr. 21 rematch with reloaded Carl Junction at home.
“Carl Junction would have to be the favorite in both our conference and district based upon the talent they have returning from last year's state quarterfinal team, although many other teams in our conference will have a legitimate chance at a championship,” said Calhoun.
The Cubs will also be participating in a pair of tournaments, which should help act as a measuring stick for the club to see where they stand after graduating some very important pieces.
“We lost many good players from last years squad, but I am very excited about the returning players with experience,” Calhoun added. “We are also very fortunate to have several players who are talented and hungry for their turn to get to perform on the field.”
Monett gets the 2016 season underway on Mar. 19 when it takes on Purdy and Spokane.
