By Ripon Media in College Days on September 20, 2021
Fall Ball Is Back
The Red Hawk baseball and softball teams are beginning their long awaited fall ball seasons
By Madelyn Kohn
Fall ball is back for the Red Hawks, and the hope is to get that normal fall ball experience throughout another year of the covid pandemic. For many, this will be the final year of fall ball. Senior Jake Pankratz and the rest of the baseball team is excited about finally getting to swing the bats again.
“This fall, as a team we are determined to flip the script from last season. We lost only a few players to graduation and are welcoming a large freshmen class,” Pankratz said. “This season will be different for us in a sense that there will be more competition for playing time with our increased roster size.”
Roughly 30 incoming freshmen hope to play baseball this fall. Another senior, Nicholas Terrell, also commented on the roster size, saying, “This fall will be different than most because we have more guys than really ever before on the roster this year: around 60to be exact, with about half being freshmen.”
Likewise, the Red Hawk softball team has large numbers.
“Having such a big team, it is important to have a strong connection both on and off the field. Having a strong culture is one of our main goals this year,” senior Victoria Duran said.
Both seniors explained that they are thankful for the opportunity to play for the Red Hawks. They each have many memories that they will never forget and learned many lessons along the way.
“Personally, I can’t believe that this is already my senior year. Time has flown by so fast for me these past few years. I have learned so much throughout my career here. Coach Cruise tells us all that he is here to not only make us better at baseball, but also better as men. He teaches us lessons to get us ready, not only for what is going on, but whatever happens next as well. So as crazy as it feels to be a senior, the coaches have prepared me well for this year and I am excited for my last season as a Red Hawk.” Pankratz said.
Pankratz is ready for the Annual Family Day Game on Oct. 3 to kick off the season. Along with the game this fall, there will be many intrasquad scrimmages. The team is looking forward to competing once again this year.
The softball team has a game scheduled for Sept. 25 and Duran is excited to finally get back onto the field.
“Honestly it feels so weird being a senior but I am super excited about it. Sadly I will not be staying for an extra year, it’s time to move on and start the next chapter in my life. These girls are most definitely my second family and I wouldn’t be here If it wasn’t for them. I’m so proud of every single one of them and I know we’re all gonna do great things!” Duran said.
