Practices are in full swing for the softball team as they prepare for their inaugural season as the STLCC Archers.
Brian Haenchen
-Staff Writer-
Practices are in full swing for the softball team as they prepare for their inaugural season as the STLCC Archers.
During the process of consolidating athletic teams last year all across STLCC, it was decided that Meramec would host the softball team. Along with becoming accustomed to new uniforms, new teammates and a new head coach’s voice, the 2012 Archers look to bring their talents together.
“I didn’t think [consolidating the teams] was a bad idea, because by combining all the teams, you will be taking the best players out of each school to create better teams for all sports,” Kayla Becktol, freshman outfielder, said.
However, not all of the players were as pleased as Becktol with the athletic department’s decision. In fact, just seven of the 21 freshmen from last year’s individual teams returned to play under the new format, including pitcher Dani Whitehead.
Whitehead, who played for the Meramec Magic last season, garnered first team all-region honors after racking up 50 strikeouts. She briefly transferred last fall.
“I wasn’t very happy when I first found out [about the consolidation] because most of my team was leaving due to the coaching change,” Whitehead said. “I didn’t want to play without them, so I left to play for Kentucky Wesleyan College, an NCAA Division-II school. I missed home, though, so I decided to come home and try Meramec again. I couldn’t stand not playing, so I gave it a shot. I really enjoy it.”
New Archer head coach, Wayne Bryan, who coached the women’s softball team at STLCC-Florissant Valley for 11 seasons, earned Region XVI Coach of the Year honors in 2008 after his team captured the 2008 Region XVI championship.
Bryan believes his group of new recruits will benefit from playing with the small group of returning sophomores, but understands experience will be the key to success.
“Our freshmen, in general, are pretty strong. Adding to that, the sophomores that we have returning are also pretty strong, but there’s still a lot to be said,” Bryan said. “[The freshman are] still wet behind the ears and they still have some learning and growing to do.”
While damp weather has prevented the team from holding regular outdoor practices, freshman recruit Tory Ellis has already started to make an impression on Bryan.
As a senior at Fox High School, Ellis batted .429 with 24 RBI.
“Based on what we have right now, we do have a couple student-athletes, freshmen in particular, who could have an impact,” Bryan said. “One would be Tory Ellis.”
Ellis headlines a freshman class that Bryan believes could help the Archers reach the .500 mark.
“[We definately have a shot at] winning our region and taking a shot at nationals,” Bryan said. “That’s our hope. That’s the plan. If we continue to work hard, I think we can accomplish that.”
