By Amanda Perkins
The Alton Comets bring back four seniors, an athletic core of underclassmen, and third-year head coach Cuyler Marty to guide them as they continue the work they started in one of their best years on record.
Four seniors led the team last spring as well, helping the Comets amass a 16-8 record before dropping in the district semi-final round to East Carter.
“We lost our two best pitchers in James Alford and Chris Pearson,” said Marty of the graduates. “They combined for nine of our 16 wins, so it will be hard to replace the pitching depth, leadership, and experience we had last season.”
Pearson was the main offensive threat for Alton as well, and the cleanup hitter batted .397 with five homeruns and 37 RBIs. The Comets will also miss leadoff hitter Cody Whittington, who jump-started the offense and finished the season with 30 runs and 22 stolen bases, and Logan Wilkerson, a threat at the plate.
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Wilkerson also gave his team a lesson in overcoming adversity after fighting through a serious injury.
“Half of his index finger on his throwing hand was severed and had to be reattached,” said Marty. “We didn’t know if he’d ever be able to throw right again or hold a bat, but he battled back and was able to hit .245 for us with two homeruns and 12 RBIs.”
The four returning seniors are also fighters, helping the Comets to a 7-1 finish in the Big Springs Conference last year.
Hunter Schmidt and Tyson Holman will help fill the void for on the mound. Schmidt won six games last year – two complete, one shutout, and 51 strikeouts in 31 innings pitched. He has a 1.65 ERA and will face the team’s tougher opponents. He also contributed at the plate with a .278 average.
Holman had a 3.00 ERA in four appearances with nine innings pitched and eight strikeouts. He also is a catcher who averaged .250 at the plate and had 12 stolen bases. Caleb Steele (.250) will play shortstop and Tyler Wilkerson plays second and the outfield.
“We will look for all four of our seniors to contribute in all aspects of the game,” said Marty.
Junior outfielder Aaron Hollis and sophomore third baseman Dillon Harrington will solidify the end of the rotation.
Quinn Sisco is a sophomore newcomer. Ryder Clark, Matthew Townsend, Andy Morrison, Ely King, and Colby Kernodle are incoming freshmen that will contribute immediately. “This is a very athletic freshman group,” said Marty, “so what they lack in experience they will make up for with their athleticism. With our lack of depth from upperclassmen, we will count on a few freshmen to provide support and fill some very big holes from losing our four seniors last year.”
While personnel losses are significant, all hope is not lost. “We have high expectations for this group and expect to be very competitive with everybody we face,” said Marty. “Our goal, as always, is to win districts and advance to state for the first time.”
The Comets host Dora March 24.
