HUDDLE UP. Head coach Ian Whitson aims to lead the Sullivan Eagles to another district title and state trip. Photo by Wyatt Hardy
TRENCH SUPPORT. Nate McReynolds high-fives his team after sliding home. Photo by Wyatt Hardy
SWING LOW. Gavin Schmidt attempts to bunt a low ball during a scrimmage. Photo by Wyatt Hardy
NEW FACES. Freshman Raiden Redd trains for his pitching on the mound. Photo by Wyatt Hardy
Baseball Steps Back Onto The Plate After District Title
With the jamboree and Four Rivers Conference tournament just around the corner, the Eagles baseball team has been working hard to retain the same competitive spirit they had last season.
In 2023, Sullivan clinched their first district title in a decade, and head coach Ian Whitson aims to continue building upon that success. “I’m very confident about our team,” he stated. “I think we could potentially be one of the best Class 4 teams in the area and state. We just have to make sure we execute within those small situational moments within each game.”
To accomplish this, Whitson has reminded his team to take every matchup seriously because it will ultimately decide the bigger picture in the playoffs. “I think every team goes into the season with the hope of making a run at a state title. We have the potential to make a little noise this year in the postseason if we play to our ability,” he said. “I just want the boys to compete every day, regardless if it’s a practice or a game, a team that has won 20 games or a team that has won 3 games. Just compete. Be in every game. Always put our best foot, effort and intensity forward.”
The Eagles first competed in a home jamboree with Orchard Farm at 4:30 p.m., and Wright City at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Mar. 12. Stats were unavailable at press time.
Sullivan’s first pitch of the regular season will be at home against St. James at 6 p.m. on Friday, Mar. 15. This game will also be their first round in the Four Rivers Conference tournament, which they will continue playing the day afterward and the following Wednesday; opponents and locations are still to be determined.
The returning seniors on the varsity squad are Gavin Schmidt, Cambrian Koch and Dayton Skaggs.
The juniors include Drake Gawer, who recently inked with Texas Tech to continue his baseball career, as well as Lucas Parsons, Grant Halmick, Seth Valley, Anden Carey, Dylan Parker, Kaden Smith, Nate McReynolds and Isaiah Skaggs.
There are four sophomores: Chase Blue, Mitchell Garner, Alex Toews and Nolan Ulrich.
The only two freshmen on the varsity roster are Landen Doza and Raiden Redd.
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