Decatur softball and baseball players tried out for varsity and junior varsity teams on January 19, and January 26, respectively.  Coaches chose players based upon their performances during tryouts.

The seasons officially began, and both teams practice every day. 

“We do a lot of different drills, we will do infield, outfield, hitting, running, there is a lot that goes into it and we don’t have much time to do it.  Within two days they’ll go through every drill and we evaluate them on a standard sheet and see who makes the cut,” Head Coach Tommy Maddox said.

Both sports divide players into one varsity team and one junior varsity team, unlike last year with baseball having two JV teams.  This year’s softball teams consist of 9 players on varsity and 9 on JV.

“My biggest goal this year is to win state,” freshman Samantha Cantu said.

While the softball journey just began for Cantu, senior Summer Huff faces her last year playing softball as a Lady Eagle.

“It’s kind of sad, I’ve made friends with everyone on the team.  But I also think that it’s going to be a great season, and there are a lot of younger girls which will be really fun,” Huff said.

The baseball team boasts an impressive 26 varsity players ranging from sophomores to seniors, and 25 players making up the JV team.

“I’m looking forward to hanging out with my teammates,” freshman Hunter Higgs said. 

Both of the teams engaged in scrimmages the past few weeks, and the season is well under way.  Eagle fans and athletes anticipate a successful 2018 season.