By Amanda Perkins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Last year’s Fair Play Hornets exceeded expectations as they started 4-0 and only dropped two in Polk County conference play. Seeded fifth, the Hornets picked up their first wins in district play in four years, beating the fourth and first seeds before losing to number two Morrisville in the championship.
“The district wins are huge,” said head coach Eric DeRossett. “It gives our returnees something concrete in terms of just what it takes to compete in districts. We kind of snuck into the championship last year…we won’t be a secret this year, which requires a higher level of preparation.”
The Hornets will prepare without leader Camden Welch, a second-team all-conference leadoff hitter with a .314 average and a smooth fielding first baseman. Walker Harrison (.278) played solid defense in right field and will be tough to replace. Fellow graduate Mark Khadyrke, a speedster in centerfield, was a great defensive player with big plays down the stretch.
Fair Play moved to the Class 2 level last season, adding to their challenges.
“Most of the schools have deeper pitching staffs than we are used to seeing,” said Coach DeRossett. “Any school in that district is capable of getting hot and winning it. We respect all those programs and understand we have to play our best baseball or it could be over quickly.”
The senior leadership could be the key to Fair Play logging a winning season.
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“This year’s seniors bought into our system as freshmen and they have absolutely been the foundation of our growth,” said Coach DeRossett. “I can’t say enough about their willingness to buy into a concept and then put in the work to make it happen.”
The senior crew starts with Justin Viles, who plays a solid third base and is part of the pitching staff. He threw for 6 innings in the 4-1 victory over top-seeded Liberal in district play.
Kendal Wright, four-year starter, had a .362 average and .455 on base percentage, served as a closer for a couple of key conference wins, and covers shortstop. Per his coach, he improves every year.
Garret Bradford, senior, is a steady left fielder who improved at the plate as the season progressed. “He is turning into a complete player,” said DeRossett.
Kohner Thomas (.303) was the three-hole hitter with three homers last season, including two in district play. The team ace, he gave his team a chance in each game he pitched, going 4-2 on the season. He also made the all-conference first team.
Sam Khadyrke is a returning senior outfielder, and per his coach, a great kid with a great work ethic.
Kyle Harris, senior, has played for four years and has a strong throwing arm and has also covered third base.
The final senior is Bradley Thomas, an athletic transfer student whose bat could impact the lineup.
Junior Logan Underwood returns as the starting catcher, and classmate Scott Schwartz is a hard-nosed, experienced player at second base and the outfield. Nate King, junior, is a smooth lefty who plays first base and could pitch.
Sophomore Kolby Durst had a few varsity at-bats last year in the DH spot. “He has an outstanding arm, and we look for Kolby to carve out a niche on our team this year,” said Coach DeRossett.
The Polk County League is expected to be competitive and district play will be no easy road, either. Coach DeRossett said in spite of the challenges, his team is excited about the season. “We are hoping that we can bring a winning season to Fair Play. We were 7-8 last year and had at least five games cancelled due to rain. The last winning season for Fair Play was in 2011-12, so we definitely set being over .500 as a goal for us.”
The team has grown to a 20 members in recent years, up from just nine players four years ago.
“Regardless of how this year goes, there is no doubting the growth of our baseball program over the last few years,” he added. “We have quality kids and we are in the process of developing a deep program. All of our kids deserve credit for this growth, but particularly our seniors. Our seniors deserve the best year possible…I am excited for them to have a rewarding season.”
Fair Play opens their season March 20 at Wheatland.
