Baseball team to mend broken tradition
By Jill Lira
March 26, 2007
After suffering a first round loss in regional play last year, the Silver Lake baseball program had to face the harsh reality that they would not be competing at state - harsh because they had advanced to state the 14 years prior.
However, despite what challenges present themselves, the team fully intends to participate in the 2007 state tournament. The team consists of nine seniors, five juniors, eight sophomores and 11 freshmen. Out of the 33 players, nine are returning lettermen.
Alan Cunningham has held the head coaching position for 16 years. Although he has much experience, Cunningham's goals for the team have not changed.
"Goals and expectations for Silver Lake baseball never change...we expect to compete with the best teams in class 3A at the state tournament in May," stated Cunningham.
Following the loss last year, Cunningham explained how reality had stricken not only the team but him as well. He also described his plan for this season.
"It was a disappointment to lose, but the reality is we were not the best team so we didn't deserve to go to state. We are going to work hard so that we do deserve to go this year," said Cunningham.
Andrew Brunner, senior, explained how he improved his skills in the off-season to prepare for baseball this spring.
"To improve on some hitting, I attended a baseball camp every Sunday this winter. I really do feel better prepared," Brunner explained.
Without the opportunity to compete at the state level last year, Cunningham has decided what improvements the team will have to make to participate there later this spring.
"We need to hit much better. We need to drastically score more runs per game. We're looking to cut down on our strikeouts and to become more competitive with our at-bats," Cunningham said.
CJ Hamilton, assistant coach, recently had hip replacement surgery. He will be in rehabilitation for two months. Therefore, Mark Workman, SLHS teacher, has also been hired as an assistant coach. This will help out with the number of games Cunningham plans to schedule.
For senior Chad Ray, his aspirations to continue at the college level have persuaded him to challenge himself this season.
"This year I am going to exceed past limits so I can try and get a scholarship to play somewhere. It would be awesome to continue playing," Ray said.
Baseball team to mend broken tradition
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| Date | Subject | Posted by: |
|---|---|---|
| 03/27/2007 | Go Lake take State | darwin |
