Whitlock excited about potential at WCMS
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New head coach Brent Whitlock and assistant coach Jeff Watson have had their team working out on a daily basis this spring, preparing for opening day Tuesday, March 16, at White County.
Coach Whitlock knows he has a wealth of talent and is very pleased with his depth in the pitching staff.
“We have a lot of talent at pitching and it should be one of our strong points this year,” he said. “Pitching is always a concern, but this group has some good arms and a lot of them.
“We put them on the gun last week and at least half the staff is throwing in the mid-60’s — and that’s pretty good at this level.”
Whitlock, who took over the program at WCMS after spending the last few seasons with the high school staff, said he’s taking a different approach to pitching this year.
“I only want the kids to throw fastballs and change-ups,” he said. “We want to keep their arms strong when they get to the high school level, and this is a good way to insure that. There are eight or nine kids that can go out and get it done on the mound. If they perfect these two pitches here at the middle school, then when they get to the high school they will be ready to take the next step.”
Whitlock and Watson have had to work with mother nature this spring, and take every opportunity to get out on the field.
“Our hitting is a little behind because of the weather, but I’m happy with the progress they have made so far this spring,” Whitlock said. “Defensively we should be pretty strong and our infield is very solid.
“One thing that has been a big surprise is the number of seventh-graders who are doing an outstanding job. This is a great program and I am working closely with coach Holt at the high school in order to make sure we stay on the same page.
“This program is the stepping stone for the high school, and with success here it can only bring success at the next level.”