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Madden 10: Foley Lions
Continue Rebuilding
By DANIEL BOYETTE -
Mobile Press-Register Sports Reporter
Foley,
AL (February 14, 2010) -- A lot has changed from this
time last year for Foley coach Kevin Madden.
He was in the midst of his first
season with the Lions and had just two seniors on a rebuilt
roster for a team coming off a 3-23 campaign. Foley improved
to 9-21 under Madden and expectations are high this year
with a roster featuring six seniors.
"We've got a lot of returning
players from last year, so experience should help us out as
far as hopefully getting us over the hump," Madden said.
Foley returns senior Taylor
Wheaton, its top pitcher and one of its best hitters.
Wheaton went 2-5 with a 1.80 ERA and 59 strikeouts last
season while hitting. 363.
The other seniors are Matt
Salter (second base), Tayler Bishop (outfield), Kyle Pilgrim
(outfield), Zach Hughes (infield) and Joey Stidham
(infield).
Key underclassmen include Eric
Fontaine (cather), Jamin Graham (first base), Dylan
Summerville (infield), J.T. Peddrick (outfield), Zane Brewer
(outfield), Myles Merchant (infield), Nick Matthews
(utility) and Kenny Kaiser.
"I think the players are a
little more used to what we're doing now and they're not
having to learn a whole new system," Madden said. "When we
came out the first few days of practice and even in our
throwing program, they were able to pick right up. We didn't
have to spend a whole lot of time teaching like we did last
year."
With most of the infield in tact
from a year ago, Madden is confident in his defense.
Meanwhile, the Lions have worked to improve at the plate.
"I think hitting last year was
one of our weaker spots and hopefully this year, with
experience and the depth we have, hitting overall as far as
the team will be better," Madden said.
Foley will open the season by
being one of the regional hosts for the 13th annual Hank
Aaron Classic starting Monday. The Lions take on Gulf Shores
at 6:30 p.m. |
