Eagles optimistic about season

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    Between losing veterans through graduation and transfers, the Greater Houlton Christian Academy Eagles baseball team remains optimistic.
    “We have a very good core of returning players,” said Eagle coach John Walker. “Two of those who graduated and one who transferred were very good pitchers. So replacing them will be a challenge. The other three who left were outfielders. Of course, their veteran presence and bats will be missed, too.”
    Heading into the season, Walker has two solid pitchers in his rotation, senior Ryan Campbell and junior Adam Little.
    “The two returning pitchers throw hard and are tough competitors,” Walker said.
    Campbell, who hasn’t seen much action on the mound, will have more opportunity this season. According to Walker, he has good off-speed pitches and a “sneaky” fastball. Campbell is a fifth-year varsity player with the eighth grade eligibility rule.         Another player who has thrown effectively for the Eagles since eighth grade is Little.
    “He possesses good speed and a lively bat,” Walker said.
    Little is also a middle infielder and will catch when Campbell is on the hill.
    “Both of these guys will be keys to our success,” added Walker. “But, they will have some very good support around them.”
    That begins with a player Walker said is “always smiling,” returning junior Jake Long, who will provide veteran experience at either first base or outfield.         Returning outfielders are juniors Brandon Gove and Joshua Cousins.
    “Both of these guys will be vying for starting outfield positions,” Walker said. “Brandon will be trying his hand at pitching this year, as well.”
    Coming back from an injury last year is junior Ethan Holmes, who the coach says is ready to play either infield or outfield as needed.
    “Ethan is very quick, has great hands and loves to play ‘D’,” Walker said.
    Freshman Deyrell Vargas is returning for his second varsity year and will play the middle infield.
    “He is a crafty pitcher and has amazing speed,” Walker said. “        Two more freshmen who saw action a year ago are Aaron Holmes and Josh Winslow.
    “They will be counted on to step into potential starting roles,” Walker explained.
    Joining the team this season are newcomers junior Alex McNally, sophomores Russell Socoby and Jordan Cummings and eighth-grader Zack Ebner.
    Walker is concerned with his team’s ability to score runs.
    “We will be working diligently on this,” he said. “Most of the guys we lost had big bats. With that said, assistant coach Mark Morin and I are looking forward to a fun and competitive season.”