A Bond and a Brotherhood
WATERTOWN, Wis. -- The Maranatha Baseball Program wrapped up a season full of experience for new faces on the roster, as a team that welcomed just seven returners - not even enough to field a team - made significant strides through a winless campaign of rebuilding.
Going into the season, the team faced the challenge of rebuilding a roster, and as the season wore on, the Sabercats faced challenges of all kinds due to weather. Maranatha had seven game-days postponed, delayed, or cancelled entirely. Of the 12 days the Sabercats played competitive games, only three could actually be considered good "baseball weather."
Despite the challenges, the Sabercats stayed competitive in their season-opening series at Principia College, and they would go on to threaten Trinity International University in a narrow 9-8 loss.
The schedule was away games exclusively until April 19, and the Sabercats played at home just four times in the season, finishing their season with two close-cut losses to Lincoln Christian University.
"Fighting the weather this spring has been very challenging for the team," said Head Coach Gary Garrison. "The cold and rainy spring has been tough to play in. Upon arriving home [from the spring trip], our first eight games were washed out by rain."
But Coach Garrison looks past the disappointments of this season to the promise that the younger players displayed.
"There is an enthusiasm and cause for optimism regarding next year's baseball season," Garrison Said. "This year’s squad has already grown to be a very close-knit, cooperative group. I have enjoyed each of them immensely! Myself and all the Sabercats look to build on the progress made this season."
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AWARDS
Coach Garrison recognized the following student-athletes during Athletic Awards Assembly last Thursday:
Offensive MVP - Kyle Cummins
Defensive MVP - David Cripps
Overall MVP - David Cripps
Pitching Ace - Sam Ratledge
Coach's Award - Nate Croswell
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OUTLOOK
The team honored four seniors - Jonah Bailey, Nate Croswell, Kyle Cummins, and Sam Ratledge all completed their senior seasons at Maranatha.
