By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Kickapoo wrapped up its 2019 season with a 20-11 record, falling to Nixa in the district semifinal. The Chiefs weren’t able to participate last year due to Covid-19 cancellations and will now look to a host of new faces in hopes of reestablishing one of the area’s top programs.
Kickapoo’s graduates include Jeb Jarman, Joey Morris, Chase Kruse, Will Bailey, Chase Tolleson, Garret Frey, Tommy Slattery and Jacob Martin.
While unfortunate, longtime head coach Jason Howser believes the lost season will have a positive impact on his team as it prepares for the 2021 campaign.
“The 2021 Kickapoo Chiefs realize their senior year can be taken from them and have not taken anything for granted,” Howser said. “All levels have had a great off season in the weight room and our seniors played a big leadership role.”
A quintet of returning seniors will lead the Chiefs this season including pitcher Zach McKinnis (3-3-3, 3.65 ERA), pitcher/catcher Boone Shevey, pitcher/second baseman Luke Quackenbush, pitcher Mason Burdick and outfielder Rhett Hendricks.
“Zach McKinnis was third in innings as a sophomore in 2019,” Howser said. “Other than Zach, everyone else has very limited action in varsity baseball. Due to Covid, I believe most teams are this way, so we will all have an equal playing field in this respect.”
With limited varsity experience returning, opportunities exist for a host of newcomers.
Senior newcomers include Carter Vienhage (OF), Erik Broyles (P), Ayden Fetters (SS), Kevin Ward (OF) and Evan Rudolf (P).
Juniors Noah Wilkinson (C/3B/SS), Reed Jensen (1B), Cross Kubik (P), Anderson Underwood (P/UT) and Morgan Goss (P) also will look to make an impact at the varsity level.
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Other players Howser believes could challenge for playing time include Cole Murrell, Shane Cummings, Cael McCarville, Evan Vienhage and Brian Wamsher.
While the new-look roster presents a host of challenges for the Chiefs, Howser is confident his team can develop and adjust quickly to varsity baseball.
“Our challenges will be gaining experience and handling adversity off the mound with the difficult schedule we will play,” Howser said. “We must compete in each at bat and be productive within each at-bat. Our ability to move the ball with two strikes will be big. Finally, we will need to be very flexible as a group. Our lineup will be very fluid throughout the year and our adaptability will be important for this year’s team.”
Howser believes his team’s defense will set the tone early on and could be a difference maker this season.
“Our biggest strength heading into the season will be our team defense,” Howser said. “With constant improvement and attention to details this could be a very complete defensive team. All aspects, from the battery, up the middle and very good corner defense with great speed in the outfield.”
With McKinnis the only returning arm with considerable varsity experience, the Chiefs will look to establish a solid rotation of players on the mound.
“Pitching has traditionally been a big factor in success,” Howser said. “This spring will not change this. We have multiple players competing for mound time. We have different looks, speeds, arm angles and strengths. What will set each player and the staff apart is their ability to compete when given the opportunity to pitch.”
Following a March 15 jamboree with Willard and Aurora, Kickapoo will open its season March 19 in Bentonville, Ark. The Chiefs will face Bentonville and Bentonville West in a double-header.
