By: Katie Rakers
Carlyle High School baseball and softball teams prepare to start their season next week.
This year, there are 19 players on the softball team.
“Maddy Rae, Kyra Beckemeyer, and Ava Meyer will be my returning varsity players,
and they will be captains,” said coach Jay Wellen.
There are 16 players that make up the baseball team.
“Ethan Brinkman, Jon Schmitt and Grayson Strader were chosen as the captains based on
their experience and contributions to the team over the years,” said coach Jaris Dalman.
The teams have been practicing to prepare for their first games.
“Each player understands their alignment in various situations. The pitchers are building
up their arm strength, and focusing on their pitching arsenal. The offense is working through
several different hitting drills and understanding their assignment in various offensive
situations,” said coach Dalman.
The softball team is rebuilding this season after graduating a number of starters last
season.
“During practice, we have a lot to work on defensively, this year it is our number one
priority. We lost six starters from last year's team and everyone is in a new position this year,”
said coach Wellen.
Players say that fans should be excited for every game, especially the conference games.
“The goal for the season is to improve everyday and be playing our best ball at the end of
the season to make a playoff run,” said coach Wellen.