By Chris Parker
Crane baseball has a new head coach in Lucas Vert this season. While Vert is new to the head coaching job, he is not new to Crane.
“This will be my first year as the head coach at Crane, but it will be my second year with the team,” Vert said. “Last year, I was the assistant coach, so I already have a rapport and good relationships with the players. This year will be all about taking steps in the right direction, I want to build upon the positives of last year and be able to learn and build from the negative as well. This team has some pieces in key places that will help us be as successful as possible.”
Lane Howard (senior infielder), Cameron Chisam (junior pitcher), Brady Cline (junior utility), Cooper Brannan (sophomore outfielder) and Turley Howell (junior catcher) all return.
Vert on Howard: “Lane is stepping into a leadership role this season being that he is the only senior this season. He has already shown strides in this role during our fall season, and I look forward to seeing him progress throughout this spring.”
Vert on Chisam: “Cam was one of our most reliable strike throwers last year as a sophomore, and we will look to him to step into an even larger role as a pitcher this spring.”
Vert on Cline: “Brady was used as a utility player last season while spending a lot of his time in the outfield. This spring he will be in the infield more, and I am looking forward to seeing how he transitions into that role.”
Vert on Brannan: “Cooper had a breakout freshman season, both in the box and in the outfield. He was able to step into big moments and make defensive plays or put the ball in play offensively. We will look to him to be our anchor in center field this season.”
Vert on Howell: “Turley was our backup catcher last season and stepped in to pinch hit in a few situations. He had a great year at the JV level and will look to translate that to the varsity level this spring. I am excited to see how his progress will translate.”
Jayden Lewis (freshman), CJ Conrad (sophomore), Rhette Howell (sophomore), Waylon Guess (sophomore) and Logan Lance (junior) will be newcomers.
Vert on Lewis: “Jayden is a transfer from Aurora that we are very excited about having join us for this season. I think he is going to help is immensely on both sides of the ball.”
Vert on Conrad: “CJ also has not played since the fall season of his freshman year, and I am very glad to have him back as well. CJ is a great lefty arm to have on the bump; he will be on the bump for us a lot this season. In addition to his pitching duties, CJ will be in the outfield or at first base.”
Vert on Howell: “Rhette stepped into a big role this fall at the varsity level. He was used as an infield utility and spent a lot of time at second and third base. I think Rhette has a chance to have a breakout spring in those positions.”
Vert on Guess: “Waylon is playing in his first spring season of his high school career. Waylon made significant improvements over the course of our fall season, and I will look for him to continue to grow over the course of the spring season.”
Vert on Lance: “Logan is also a newcomer playing in his first spring season of his high school career. Logan is looking to make a splash and compete for a starting position defensively, and I look forward to seeing his growth.”
Crane opens the season Mar. 21-24 at the Purdy Tournament.
“I am looking for this team to compete every pitch, grow and learn from successes and failures, and work hard every day,” Vert said. “If we can take care of these things consistently then I think we have a chance to make some noise in a very competitive conference and district field.”
