Spring N2 Action CATCH
Continued from C4 “Madi runs well and has a big frame to play first base,” Miller said. “She can also play in the outfield. She showed good hitting ability last year. I think she could provide power or get a bunt down.” While the team has had some defensive issues early in the season, another facet of the game is off to a better start for Glen Rose. “Early on, we’re doing a pretty good job at the plate,” Miller said. “The experienced girls are showing a good eye for pitch selection. The key is to get more players hitting in a row. We don’t have as
GLEN ROSE REPORTER & YOURGLENROSETX.COM | Thursday, February 27, 2014 | PAGE C10
much varsity experience as last year, which is why we have to take advantage of all our games before district.” As the coach mentioned, getting consecutive hits is crucial. Leaving runners on base has been another issue early in the season. Speaking of district, Miller expects Hillsboro to have a hard time repeating as champion. “They lost several key players to graduation,” he said. “I think the district will come down to pitching and be very competitive once again.” The coach will use the weeks to come to bring his numerous young players up to speed for the 7-3A stretch run.
CHIP
Continued from C6
GRR FILE PHOTO
Page Green’s speed on the bases and in the outfield is highly valued by her coach.
THROW
Continued from C5 Trey Yocham will play first base. “Trey has looked pretty sharp at first,” Toney said. “I’m counting on him to swing the bat like he did last year on JV. Adding Trey helps us fill the middle and lower part of the lineup with guys who can put the ball in play consistently.” Cody Halcom is competing at second base. “Cody is a spark plug,” Toney said. “He’s very coachable and is a quality guy to have on the team.” Sophomore Layne McAnear will compete with Halcom at second base. “It’s about whoever wants to work the hardest,” Toney said. “Layne is coming back from elbow surgery. He could pitch down the line, but he should be a good contact hitter low GRR FILE PHOTO in the order.” Brent Blinka will play outfield, Jayton Dillard has transitioned to the infield, but he can still make plays in the most likely right field. outfield if needed. “Brent has a good arm,” Toney
SWING
Continued from C7 has a great attitude about being willing to play wherever I need him. He’s making great progress on a strong second serve, which is crucial for anyone at the varsity level.” Alex Cocita returns to the team. “Alex really impressed me in our dual match, as far as his level of ability at this
RUN
Continued from C8 Holder could compete in the 300 hurdles, the 4x400 or the high jump. “We’ll see if his knee is ready for the 110 hurdles later on,” the coach said. Carlin Linnabery could compete in the 4x100, 4x200, 100 or 200. “Carlin brings good leadership and works hard,” Swearengin said. Miguel Barraza is a candidate to throw the shot put and discus. “Miguel is a very hard worker and has a chance to be one of our better throwers,” Swearengin said. Braxton Barrios is another option for the shot put and discus. “Braxton is coachable and
The new player, junior Madeline Campos, is also the lone upperclassman. “Madeline came out to join us in the fall, and I know she’s worked some on her own,” Roberts said. “We’re really excited to see what she can do, and I think she’s really improved.” The district tournament will bring familiar foes. “Alvarado has a good team coming back, while
Stephenville has the best golfer in the district,” Roberts said. “It’s our team goal – for girls and boys – to go to regionals. With consistent work day in and day out, I really see our girls challenging for a regional position.” Roberts likes having lineup decisions to make. “Having seven girls is a good problem to have,” he said. “Sometimes people get injured and you need others to step up.” Depth could certainly be the deciding factor for Glen Rose in the weeks to come.
said. “He’s worked hard throughout the offseason, and I credit him for that.” Dalton Gould and sophomore Reece Nickell will compete to be the No. 2 first baseman. Sophomore Dylan Hammond will be the backup catcher. “Dylan will bat low in the order and we’ll see how it goes,” Toney said. There is some controversy about the district favorite. “If you look at the polls, everybody seems to think Alvarado will win district,” Toney said. “I’m going to say Stephenville is the favorite. They have all their pitching back from their regional final team last year. “Then, I think it could be close between us and Venus. I don’t think people expect much out of us, other than our coaches, players and their parents. Maybe other teams will look past us in the first (7-3A) round.” Graduation losses may have the deck stacked against Glen Rose, but Toney believes in the hand he’s been dealt.
GRR FILE PHOTO
Bailey Brown is a prime contender to play atop the girls’ lineup this spring.
point,” Yeager said. “He has a very solid foundation for tennis to go with a terrific attitude. He seems very coachable, and I’m leaning toward doubles with him.” Jason Lattin could be an impact player. “Jason has a very good ground game with flat and low forehands and backhands,” the coach said. “He wants to be a singles player, which I love to hear. He seems to have the mental
toughness you need. Jason loves tennis and it shows in his commitment.” Juniors Jayden Reynolds and Ethan Krueger return. “Jayden hustles his heart out every minute in basketball, and he will make a great doubles partner for someone because you know he’ll never give up on them,” Yeager said. “I really look forward to coaching him. Ethan already has a couple of things he does very well.
“He serves well and plays the net a lot better than I would have expected at this point. He has plenty of room for improvement, but there are skills to build on.” Sophomore Tucker Garza returns to the program. “Tucker brings excellent quickness, and we’ll see if he’s more suited for singles or doubles,” the coach said. “Being able to move as well as he does should give him an advantage.”
Freshman Austin Mullins has entered the picture. “Austin knows the game pretty well as a freshman and has very solid strokes,” Yeager said. “He serves well and has a solid foundation, which is very impressive. He seems coachable and I think his future is bright.” In advance of the first varsity tournament Feb. 27, Yeager valued the opportunity to see his players compete in a dual practice match against
Whitney a week earlier. “Especially for a lot of our freshmen, the dual match really allowed them to see what true tennis is about against an opponent they don’t know,” he said. “The kids competed the best they could, and I had several of them work with different partners and try singles. Everyone had a great attitude about it, which made me excited about our potential for a good, strong season.”
brings a lot of explosiveness in his legs,” Swearengin said. Jake Betsill could take part in the 300 hurdles, high jump or 4x400. “He’s a three-year varsity guy who really loves to run,” the coach said. “He’s a track guy.” Alex Cocita could contribute in the 100, 200, 4x100, 4x200 or long jump. “Alex is very quick and he comes ready to work hard each day,” Swearengin said. R.J. Darch is a shot put and discus candidate. “R.J. has had a great offseason,” the coach said. “His long frame could be especially helpful in the discus. He has a great attitude.” Jayton Dillard could run the 400 or 800. “Jayton is coachable and does whatever we need,” Swearengin said.
A.J. Divinity is working in the 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles and 4x400. “A.J. is definitely a good worker,” Swearengin said. Dalton Gould may compete in sprint events. “We’ll continue to evaluate Dalton early in the season and see what he’s doing best in,” the coach said. Jacob Locke could be a key participant in the 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles or 4x400. “Jacob works very hard and brings a good attitude,” Swearengin said. Heath Nicholson is an option for the shot put and discus. “Heath has explosive strength, so he has a chance to do well in both events,” the coach said. Oscar Suarez and Adam Talavera are candidates for
the 1600 and 3200. “I like what I’ve seen early on from Oscar,” the coach said. “Adam works very hard and loves to run.” Hayden Swearengin competes in the 400 and 800. “Hayden is a good worker with a chance to build on his past success in the 800,” the coach said. Colton Miller is a candidate in the 100 and 200. “Colton gives us important depth in the sprints,” the coach said. Colten Lane could be a valuable contributor in the triple jump. “Colten has improved speed and I like his triple jump potential,” the coach said. “Our team needs quality competitors in that event.” The district meet will be
tough again this year, but Swearengin feels good about his team.
“We should be in the mix in most events, especially the hurdles and relays,” he said.
GRR FILE PHOTO
Chance Nabours will try to surpass his second-place finish in the district pole vault during 2013.