Matrix Co-Associate Editor
Issue 5, Sports
After battling rainy weather during the first weeks of their season, the Athens High School baseball team began with a win during a scrimmage against Trimble March 18. Since then, they have continued to improve. As of when the Matrix went to print, the team’s record was 1 to 2.
Junior Cody Mack is optimistic about his team’s chances for the season.
“We have great pitching, and our hitting seems to be coming along as well. Our senior leadership is also great,” explained Mack. “I feel very confident about our upcoming season.”
Senior Colton Noftz noted the difficulties the team faced during the beginning of the season. “We had a lot of positions to fill this year due to the size of our senior class last year,” said Noftz.
Coach Fred Gibson agreed. “We will need to replace some of the best players we’ve had in recent history. Players will have to step up to continue our success.. The seniors have taken the challenge of leadership and the young players seem to have bought into the concept of hard work equals success.”
The team looks to continue this success for the rest of their season. They still have the majority of their season ahead of them including games against their main rival, Alexander. The team will also be looking to defend their title as League Champions.
“We have won the league championship the last two years, so we will be targeted as the team to beat. We need to respond to the challenge,” said Gibson.
Noftz continued stating, “I feel confident in our team’s ability to compete at a high level and win games within the TVC.”
The baseball team looks forward to the challenge and a successful season as Noftz stated, “We look forward to playing the best ball that we can.”
Mack stated that many of the games this year will be far away, but Noftz and Mack agreed that the team really appreciates the support at both home and away games.
The baseball team will be playing at Vinton County tonight at 5:00 p.m., and their next home game will be against Ravenswood High School Friday at 5:00 p.m. The team appreciates the student body’s support and encourages them continue to attend their home games for the rest of the season.