By Chris Parker
Sarcoxie baseball has struggled in recent years with the Bears looking for their first double-digit win and above .500 season since 2013. The Bears finished 5-13 last season.
A fast start is key to accomplishing that goal according to coach Jack Altermatt.
“The biggest thing that needs to happen is our team to get off to a good start. I feel like our kids have committed to changing our culture, through last summer and into preseason workouts. I’ve had most these kids in football, which has been a big turn-around over the last few years, and they’ve taken that same approach,” Altermatt said. “One thing that will help get to double-digit wins is the fact that our pre-season workout numbers have exceeded anything I could have asked for. We also have some really talented players that have shown they want to win. Pitching could be a strength and we just need to get defense to play behind them to put together whole games.”
Six seniors including Haydon Kisling (pitcher/infield), Jake Chrisman (pitcher/infield), Blake Ogle (infield), Gage Weist (utility), Nate Baldwin (catcher/utility) and Donavon Doke (outfield) will lead the way for Sarcoxie. Chrisman hit .471 last season with nine RBI. Weist tied with him at nine RBI while hitting .275.
“We have had a great turnout for off-season workouts. I’ve seen huge improvements in players from last year’s team to this year,” Altermatt said. “Our seniors have stepped up and they’re starting to take their potential and their goal of putting together a successful senior season is attainable.”
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Chance Kyle (pitcher/utility) is the lone junior expected to see varsity time. Sophomores Blade Ellis (pitcher/utility), Kenneth Guenzel (pitcher/utility), Loghan Harrison (outfield) and Gage Barnard (outfield) along with freshmen Ethan Lee (utility), Carson Torrance (utility) and Dominick Doke (outfield) give Sarcoxie a strong group of underclassmen.
“Overall, we have an expectation to bring consistency to the program and to compete in every game on our schedule. My expectation is to play solid, mistake free, defense. Take advantage of our at bats and be more aggressive on the bases,” Altermatt said. “My philosophy for this Bears team is simple. Find consistency, limit mistakes, and make other teams pay for the mistakes they make.”
Sarcoxie opens the season on Mar. 26 at home against McAuley Catholic.
