By Chris Parker
Reeds Spring baseball has a new head coach in Myron Kaufman this season. Kaufman was an assistant in the program the past three seasons.
“Over the last three years I have been treated very well in so many areas of my teaching and coaching career while working at Reeds Spring,” Kaufman said. “The district does an amazing job at taking care of their employees. I have also grown close with the boys in the program and look forward to watching them continue their high school career.”
Reeds Spring only graduated one senior last season and returns nine lettermen.
Seniors Blake Siege, Jaxon Gregg and Aiden Walker will be key pitchers.
“One of our top arms will be senior Blake Siege. He has an above average fastball with a sharp breaking ball to back it up,” Kaufman said. “We also will rely on senior Jaxon Gregg a lot this year as he is a consistent strike thrower who competes well. I also plan to see senior Aiden Walker throw a lot of innings this year. (He is) another consistent strike thrower who can mix up speeds effectively.”
Gregg will also see time at first base when not pitching with Siege at shortstop. Brack Cuzzort will be at third base.
The outfield will consist of Lukas Hutson, Kash Myers, MJ Bridges and Lucas Wattenbarger.
Gregg and Wattenbarger will be team leaders this season.
“Jaxon Gregg will be a returning multi-year starter who has a lot of experience to rely on. Jaxon does a great job at leading by example and has a lot of influence on the underclassmen,” Kaufman said. “Lucas Wattenbarger is one of the most reliable young men I have ever coached, and he has a natural ability to lead those around him. Lucas refuses to give in when circumstances get difficult, and he is a fantastic locker room guy. His attitude and approach to competition is irreplaceable.”
The returning group will lean on good chemistry built up over years of playing together.
“These boys have played together for a long time and have a strong bond with each other,” Kaufman said. “I believe one of our biggest strengths is their ability to rely on one another. We will also hang our hats on learning to run the bases well to make the most of our offensive opportunities.”
Reeds Spring opens the regular season on Mar. 20 at home against Fordland.
“I would like to see us be a team that never quits playing hard until the final out is made. We will be a team who competes everyday no matter the circumstance,” Kaufman said. “I expect us to be able to get into positions to win ball games every week, and I have confidence we will find ways to do so. I believe when our pitching and defense hold opponents to low numbers our offense will find a way to manufacture runs.”
