By Derek Shore (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
A familiar face takes over as head coach of Parkview baseball.
Taking the helm is Ted Orcutt who has been involved in the program either as a pitching coach or as a summer ball coach nearly every one of his 18 years at Parkview. He also serves as the Vikings’ softball coach.
“I’m looking forward to my first season as the head coach,” Orcutt said. “I have had the good fortune to work with and learn from highly knowledgeable head coaches that have preceded me. I’m also excited because I have a great group of guys to work with and see what we can accomplish together this year.”
Coming off their second straight eight-win season, the Vikings return an experienced group with eight seniors and a handful of juniors.
Parkview will be led by three all-conference players in seniors Dylan Mahan (shortstop/pitcher) and Klaytin Conrad (first baseman) as well as junior Aidan Tessaro (outfielder/pitcher).
On the mound, Mahan went 4-2 with a 3.75 ERA and hit .272 with 25 hits, one home run and 13 RBI. Conrad batted .282 with one long ball and 16 driven in.
“Dylan is a speedy shortstop with good range, a strong arm and a consistent bat,” Orcutt said. “He was voted as Parkview’s pitcher of the year last season. Klaytin is a powerful middle-of-the-order hitter who should play a key role in our run production. He led the team in RBI and doubles (6) last season. He saves a lot of plays with his ability to pick at first base and has a good head for the game.”
Tessaro had a .295 average with 26 hits and eight RBI at the plate while posting a 4.34 ERA and logging a team-high 50 innings of work. Senior Caleb Handley (outfielder/pitcher) is a name to watch who will complement Tessaro well.
“We have a pair of quality left-handed pitchers in Caleb and Aidan,” Orcutt said. “Caleb has a competitive fastball and a plus curveball. Aidan has excellent command of the zone and great composure on the mound. Both are also going to be important to our offensive production from the left side of the plate.”
Senior Kimo Loque (second baseman/outfielder/pitcher) also returns after hitting .300 with one home run, 14 RBI and swiping eight bags last season.
“Kimo is a highly athletic and versatile player who will likely see time at a variety of positions,” Orcutt said. “He led the team last year in batting average and stolen bases and can electrify our offense any given day. He should also see significant time on the mound this year for us.”
Other returning players who got starting opportunities last year include seniors Gage Shivers (third baseman/catcher/pitcher), Kris Young (center fielder/second baseman/pitcher), Marshall
Oliver (outfielder/pitcher), Devonte Trout (designated hitter/infielder) and junior Holden Oliver (catcher/pitcher). Marshall and Holden Oliver are brothers.
“Gage Shivers has split time among a variety of positions, playing third, catcher, outfield and he is a real innings-eater off the mound who always gives his team a chance to compete,” Orcutt said. “Gage has worked hard to put on strength and size this offseason and looks to settle in as the main player in the hot corner for us this year. Kris is a fleet-footed center fielder and is among the very top defensive outfielders in recent memory at Parkview. He is excellent at moving runners and is always a threat on the bases.
“Marshall looks to help off the mound and split time between the outfield and third base. He shows potential as far as his stuff and if he can be consistent in the zone this year, he will be a key piece of our success. Devonte looks to contribute mainly as a designated hitter with opportunities to prove himself in the field as well. He is a very strong young man with great power potential at the plate. Holden is looking to continue his progress as the varsity catcher. Last year was his first year behind the dish, but he is highly athletic, winning all-conference honors this past fall in football, and is making rapid improvements. He has good arm strength and quickness and also looks to contribute off the mound at times.”
Juniors Tyce Heslin (catcher/pitcher/first baseman) and Jacob Vergara (catcher/infielder) round out the Vikings’ returning players.
“Our biggest strength is that this is a team full of energetic guys that are excited to get out, play ball and compete,” Orcutt said. “Last year’s coach, Ryan Highstreet, did an excellent job of increasing these guys’ understanding of game situations and how to play competitive, winning baseball. We are looking to build upon that and see just how good we can be.
“Although we only came away with eight wins last year, eight of our losses were by only one run. We were competitive in most of the rest of them. I see no reason why, if we are playing to our potential, that we could not get over that .500 mark for the regular season and develop enough as a team over the season to be competitive in districts.”
Parkview opens the season at Branson on March 15.
