Cookout wraps baseball season
The Pioneer baseball team officially wrapped up its season, and bid farewell to its head coach, with its annual end-of-the-year cookout Tuesday night at Patrick Ramsey Field.
After an all-in-fun softball game which pitted the 2003 Pioneers against a squad made up of their fathers and this year’s coaching staff, several players received team awards from outgoing head coach Jimmy Walker, who took the time to say his goodbyes to his team and its supporters.
“I’ve appreciated the support of this community, the parents and all the players. It’s been wonderful,” he said. “I’ve coached a lot of fine young men, and this group is no exception. In fact, this is one of the most fun groups I’ve ever been around.”
Senior outfielder Derek Kennamer took home some of the team’s biggest honors, including the J.K. Stanley Team MVP Award. He was also named the team’s offensive player of the year, and along with Joey Haston and John Morrison, was recognized for being named to the All-District 7-AAA team.
Haston and Colby Jenkins were recognized as the Pioneers’ co-pitchers of the year, while Matt Brown was named defensive player of the year.
Seniors Kennamer, Jenkins, Brown, Morrison, Glenn Rogers, Thomas Mullins and Cody Mitchell were all presented awards, and took home framed uniform jerseys. Coach Walker was also presented with his No. 6 jersey in a frame for the occasion.
Among the other awards presented were the Commitment to Excellence award, which went to Rogers, and the Hilda Lowry Memorial Award, which was presented to Mitchell for having the team’s highest grade-point average.
Pitcher Jared Qualls was honored with the Will to Win award, while freshman catcher Jacob Bratcher took home Rookie of the Year honors.