Eagles’ squad ready to soar

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    The Greater Houlton Christian Academy was scheduled to open its season on Monday, but the weather didn’t cooperate, as rain and sleet were in the forecast.
    However, they have two more games on tap for the end of the week, as they will host Van Buren at 4 p.m. on Thursday and be on the road to Shead High School on Friday.
    Seven-year coach John Walker is looking for his squad to improve upon last year’s 4-10 record and having an increase in player participation will go toward that end.
    “We have one of our largest squads this year,” said Walker. “We have 14 to 18 high school boys participating in the program. It is wonderful to have such interest in the program.”
    The Eagles lost two players from last year’s squad, as one graduated and the other transferred.
    “Our team leader and catcher, Ryan Campbell, who graduated, will be missed greatly,” said Walker. “Filling Ryan’s cleats with a good catcher has been a primary goal this spring. Both senior Ethan Holmes and junior Brad Long are working very hard on their skills to man the position. They are learning quickly and I am pleased with their progress.”
    Walker explained he has several returning players who will add stability to the program, including five seniors.
    Adam Little will be called upon for his team leadership and swings the bat well, said Walker. Little plays second, third or short as needed and pitches. Holmes, along with catching, plays first and third bases and according to his coach, “is an excellent hitter.” Another letterman is Jacob Long, who is according to Walker, “a sure-handed center fielder, as well as a skillful first baseman and a deceptively good pitcher.”
    Other returning seniors are Alex McNally and Brandon Gove.
    “Alex plays second and outfield, while Brandon is mostly a designated hitter,” Walker said. “We will need Brandon’s bat to be big this year.”
    Junior letterman Russell Socoby and sophomore veterans Deyrell Vargas, Aaron Holmes and Josh Winslow, along with second-year player freshman Zach Ebner will be among the catalysts for the team.
    “Russell is fast becoming an excellent center fielder as his speed enables him to get to balls others might not [get to],” said Walker.
    Socoby will also take the mound for the Eagles, as well.
    Vargas plays a variety of positions as well, including pitching, second, short or center field as needed.
    “Deyrell will be our leadoff hitter, as his eye and speed are great assets,” added Walker.
    A. Holmes is a “versatile” player, according to his coach.
    “He can literally play all positions and do it well,” said Walker.
    “Josh pitches and plays a very good left field, although he has a knee injury that has lingered since volleyball season,” said Walker. “Zach brings a good bat and can play both second and outfield.”
    Newcomers to the lineup this season are senior Micah Wiley — who will see time on the mound, while possibly playing second, short or first base — junior Brad Long — who is capable of playing both third base and catching, along with pitching — junior Caleb Lincoln — who runs very well and is picking up outfield skills, said Walker — and eighth-grader Dana Brown — who plays infield and works hard to gain experience, according to his coach.
    Walker is optimistic about the upcoming season.
    “Last year was a building year for many,” said Walker. “And, they improved in all facets of the game. I think our defense will be improved and our pitching should be fairly solid. I have been happy with the way most have swung the bats this spring.”
    Pitching and defense are what Walker believes will keep his squad “in games,” while cutting down on walks by “throwing quality balls as strikes, which is critical,” he said. “Whenever we can limit a team to three outs instead of extending an inning by errors, we are putting ourselves in a better position for success.”
    The Eagles would like to reach the playoffs, which would be a first for the baseball team.
    “We have this habit of missing the playoffs by one place,” explained Walker. “When the two-third formula was used, we missed by one spot most years. When the change was made to one-half making the playoffs, we would have made it under the two-thirds rule.
    “This year, it is back to two-thirds, so we like our chances,” he added. “However, we will need some big wins over some very good perennial teams for playoffs to happen, as we have a more difficult schedule than in past years.”
    Walker said the boys were working hard on improving, which will pay dividends as the season progresses.
    “All I know for sure is that the boys will do their very best and leave the rest up to God,” he added.