Category | Sports

There’s no “I” in KSU softball

Published on February 5, 2008 by Aubrey Ingalls

    If asked how this year’s team looks, Head Coach Scott Whitlock will
humbly admit that, even though the Owls are ranked second in the
Atlantic Sun Conference preseason, they’re young and mostly
inexperienced.  Be careful, though, not to miss the twinkle in his eye
and the smile at the corners of his mouth that give away his true
feelings.

    Coach Whitlock is a tall man with a strong, authoritative voice.  Naturally he draws people’s attention; yet, he uses the word “team” more than any other.  KSU has a star pitcher in Brittany Matthews, and while he acknowledges her abilities, Coach Whitlock is sure to include the rest of the pitching staff in conversations.  He knows that teams win conference championships and it looks like KSU has a good one, no matter how modest the head coach is.

    After graduating a very strong group of seniors, including the third, fourth, fifth, and seven hitters, the Owls will have to find the bats to fill those voids.  Though he is concerned over the team’s ability to produce the same amount of runs, Coach Whitlock is very clear that this is not a rebuilding year.

     “My expectations are no different from the eight [KSU] teams that came before…the only difference will be the faces on the field,” Coach Whitlock said.

     The first 20 games of the season, according to Whitlock, will be “on-the-job-training” for many on the team.  With hitting as his primary concern, he is not at all worried about the team’s ability to catch and throw the ball. Not only will opponents face an Owl defense that is very proficient in the fundamentals- fielding and throwing- but will struggle to even get on base against an outstanding pitching rotation. 

    Senior Brittany Matthews has earned preseason recognition as the Atlantic Sun’s pitcher of the year.  Coach Whitlock gives her credit for having a powerful fastball but says that her control makes her the complete package.  After Matthews, hitters won’t get any relief when they face greater pitching from Angela Lopez and Jessica Cross. Lopez is a transfer student from Troy, where last year she recorded more than 20 wins.

    Though the unit is skilled at nearly every fundamental of the game, their strength is founded in the idea of “team.”  Sarah Hesterman, whom Coach Whitlock says is the absolute leader of the team and calls the “dugout cop,” is quick to divert attention from herself and back onto the team.  Brittany Matthews, when asked about her reputation as a big-time pitcher, ignores the acclaim and, instead, works hard in order to help improve the team.  It’s clear that Coach Whitlock believes in his team and has sold his players on the notion because they have faith in each other.  Whether they succeed this season or not, there is no doubt that they will do it as a team.

    The Owls will play nearly 60 games in the two and a half month season, and start off with a double header at home against Georgetown and Tenn. Tech on Feb. 8.  Stetson is the preseason conference favorite, but the Owls’ depth and dedication make them just as formidable. So, it’s curious when Scott Whitlock says that Stetson has every reason to win the conference, but like a man with a secret, he says it with a certain twinkle in his eye.

    Photo courtesy of KSU SID