Softball team made up of strong core, skilled and dedicated freshmen
By Dan Truttschel
Correspondent
In each of the past three seasons, the Big Foot softball team has increased its wins by two.
Whether that trend can continue in 2015 remains to be seen, but that’s certainly the goal.
Big Foot must overcome the loss of several key seniors from a year ago and replace those girls with a crop of talented newcomers.
The Chiefs certainly will be young.
“We are young, but talented,” Big Foot coach Rick Schoenbeck said. “Seems odd to put those two together, but it is true.
“This group of young freshmen girls are deep with softball skills, desire and athletic ability. This is by far my fastest team I have had and that can be dangerous in softball, especially with the style of small ball that I will play at times in a game.”
Even so, Schoenbeck knows where the key to success usually lies in softball, and that’s in the pitcher’s circle.
Having someone who can control that position will go a long way in determining how the season unfolds.
Big Foot returns junior Morgan Stalker, a first-team, All-Rock Valley Conference selection on the infield, with pitching experience. She will be joined by freshman Riley Davis, who Schoenbeck said is the fastest and most talented pitcher he’s had.
“Pitching is so vital in softball,” Schoenbeck said. The season can go as the pitchers go.
“(Relying on Davis) can be a lot to ask as a freshman, but time will tell. Offensively, we make good contact at the plate, but will need to work on discipline to only swing in the (strike) zone and be patient.”
Along with Stalker, Schoenbeck will lean on leadership from seniors Camryn Horton and Brooke Berryman, who both were honorable mention picks a year ago.
“They are the core of this team as far as experience, softball skills, leadership and passion for the game,” Schoenbeck said. “All are softball-first girls and will be my top three hitters.”
Stalker will also play shortstop as well as pitch, Horton will catch and play first and Berryman will man centerfield.
Other key players who return from a year ago are sophomores Olivia Briggs (left field) and Gabby Esarco (right field). They will be joined by Davis and fellow freshmen Sam Hartwig (second), Yasenia Gonzalez (utility) and Courtney Schoenbeck (third).
The keys to success are not difficult to find.
“Pitching and hitting,” Schoenbeck said. “We may have to play some small ball with the young girls and the speed we have against some of the power pitchers.”
Turner leads the way
Beloit Turner, three-time defending RVC South Division champion, again will be the team to beat behind all-state pitcher Kelsie Packard, Schoenbeck said.
“Turner is by far the best team,” he said. “They have great pitching and a mature group with quality at each position.”
Schoenbeck added that Brodhead also should be a team to watch this spring.
Big Foot, which fell 4-3 in its season opener Tuesday, hopes to get in the mix as well, he said.
“Middle to second (in the standings) is my expectation,” Schoenbeck said. “I think we will get better as the season goes, but we are so inexperienced that I have a lot to learn about this group and expectations.”
Schoenbeck will be assisted this spring by Brittany Schoenbeck and Kristen Zimmer.
Big Foot is back in action next Tuesday, April 7, against visiting Whitewater, followed by a road trip to McFarland, a state qualifier last year, Thursday, April 9. Both games begin at 4:45 p.m.
