Pitching Into a New Era by Kyle McLaren
The school year was filled with recent changes and additions to the campus. From the renovations that occurred in the Culinary Lab to Focus hall passes and the updated cell phone policy, students watched as their school evolved. The softball team was excited that their facilities were receiving upgrades and new equipment. JV pitcher Torah Troy had played softball since she was six years old, and was excited for the renovations. “When I first heard the field was being renovated, I got super excited because we have been talking about redoing it for years, and now it's finally happening,” Torah said. As winter sports were underway, both the baseball and softball teams had renovations occur to their fields and facilities. Work crews worked on school days and weekends to build a new batting cage for the softball team, as well as add air conditioning to the baseball dugout.
For JV shortstop and center-fielder Piper Harris, the renovations pushed the team to work and play harder. “Field conditions can make a big difference. Having a well-maintained field can help us do our best and improve our skills. I think the renovations will have a huge positive impact. Future players will have better facilities, which can improve performance, morale, and overall pride in the program,” said Harris. Softball has been a sport offered to students for over 30 years, and the new additions to the softball facilities brought teams a new avenue to improve their skills. “It will help us, these Bulldogs, strive to improve and compete at our best possible level,” Harris said.
For Troy and Harris, softball had become a staple in their life. “What made me want to start playing was my older sister. She played on Mel’s team when she was in high school too, and I loved going to her games and watching her play. My favorite memory is when I got my first hit, but I was too scared to run to first base, so my dad held my hand and ran with me,” said Troy. “My favorite part is the team bond. Everyone pushes each other to be better, and the support on and off the field makes the season really special. Also, the coaches and players are always there for each other,” Harris said. With new facilities and fresh members, the softball team was ready to build new relationships, grow as a team, and pitch their way into a new season.
Caption:
Raise the Roof: Players Caylie Cote and Parker Holton utilize their new batting cage and garage constructed by DSS Custom Metal Buildings. The new batting cage was constructed on the southwest corner of the field, right next to Building 10. It was the first time in over twelve years a building was constructed on campus. Completed in early February, the electrical crews worked on adding lights and electricity. “We are very excited, very grateful for the building. We’ve never had anything like it,” said Coyte. “We also redid our dugout, it’s much nicer now,” Holton said.
Photos by Kyle McLaren