By Chris Parker
Fair Grove softball was poised for a bounce-back season behind the leadership of four seniors heading into 2020, but that chance was taken away when the season was canceled.
“The loss of last season has affected our program in different ways. At first, it was hard to come to terms with it as a team. Losing four seniors who had worked really hard and had brought tremendous character to our team was devastating. As a coach, it took me a long time to process all of the emotions and I’m still in shock when I think about it, but we as a coaching staff and team have done a really good job of building onto our team culture in preparing for this season,” Fair Grove head coach Tara Whetzell said. “We ended our summer with an alumni/senior night to honor our four seniors who had lost their season, and that was a wonderful experience to share with those athletes. I think it has also affected our team in a positive way as well. The girls have been working extra hard in order to be prepared for this season. They have been getting after it every chance they get.”
Senior sisters Kaylan and Autumn Worth will be the team leaders this year.
“Seniors, Kaylan and Autumn Worth both play a huge role on and off the softball field. They take their academics seriously, work hard off the field, and set high expectations on the field. Kaylan Worth will be seen on the mound, playing first base, and hitting in the three or four hole. Autumn Worth will mainly be playing 3rd base, but picking up some catching time as well, and hitting in the meat of the lineup,” Whetzell said.
Worth will be joined at pitcher by sophomore Jaelah McDannald and Jena Scaletty.
“We are fortunate enough to have three on our pitching staff this year. Our senior Kaylan Worth is a lefty with some experience, but this summer we saw a different side of her that we’re excited about,” Whetzell said. “Our sophomore pitchers Jena Scaletty and Jaelah McDannald will both be competing for mound time, but they are both lethal in the lineup in several areas as well. Since they didn’t get a season last year, we are excited to see the youth and mentality play out over the extent of the season.”
Bradi Weaver will be the primary catcher.
“She (Worth) brings experience, toughness, and vocals to our lineup. She will also be spending time with the track team this season. When she is competing in track, Autumn Worth will have to step into those shoes,” Whetzell said.
Fair Grove’s lineup will have many different looks this season.
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“Our varsity lineup around the infield this year will consistently be different. That’s not always a good thing, but with us having three available pitchers, the lineup will depend upon who’s on the mound each game. We have been preparing each and every infielder that the lineup could possibly be different game to game, so they will be ready. I believe our family-like atmosphere and great team culture will make up for some of the instability that can be presented by the lineup moving around,” Whetzell said. “The infield will consist of senior Kaylan Worth (1st/P), senior Autumn Worth (3rd/C), junior Bradi Weaver (C/3rd), sophomore Jaelah McDannald (P/SS), sophomore Jena Scaletty (P/IF/OF), and freshman Minna Morris (2nd). Sophomore Taylor Rode will also look to add some depth in the lineup and some possible time at 1st base.”
In the outfield, Morgan Kern (senior), Brielle Helmer (junior), Hannah Morris (sophomore), Haddie Wingo (freshman), Faith Klindworth (freshman) and Jena Scaletty (junior) could all see time.
“You can ask every one of our athletes and they will tell you our number one strength is our team culture. We have had both Thanksgiving and Christmas together, team workouts, and team dinners to help build our team culture. These girls are willing to work for one another. The coaching staff is very proud of how they have responded to accountability and commitment throughout the loss of last season and beginning of this off season,” Whetzell said. “A couple of things our team will need to improve on over the course of the season is making sure we are consistent throughout the hitting lineup and putting pressure on the opposing teams offensively and defensively.”
Fair Grove will be ready to get back on the field this weekend at the Mid-Lakes Conference Tournament.
“Getting back on the field after losing a season and four seniors will be a feeling that is hard to explain. Our emotions will be running high and our nerves I’m sure will be there, but I think our athletes are ready to have fun and do whatever it takes on and off the field,” Whetzell said. “It’s not always easy rebuilding each season, but these girls have really taken on a new life and I couldn’t be happier with our team culture right now. We are excited for some of our younger players to finally see the high school field for the first time.”
