HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Williamsburg softball hoping to make it count in 2012

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By McCall Meade, Williamsburg senior

WILLIAMSBURG - Wendy Greene, first base coach at Williamsburg since 2007, is making the move to the third base line.

That's what happens when you become head coach.

“Softball is such a huge part of my life; it has helped make me the person I am today," said Greene, in her first season as head coach. "Whether being a head coach or an assistant, I always look forward to watching the girls play.”

The Raiders concluded the 2011 season with a 22-12 record, finished second  in the Wamac West Division at 9-5 record and tied for seventh  overall in the conference at 9-9.

Williamsburg enters the 2012 season with 10 returning letterwinners, including  four senior who have been starting since their 8th grade season.

“Experience will be our best attribute entering the season," Greene said. "We have a more experienced squad this year. Game experience is greater among some of our younger girls this year.

"I think another attribute entering this season is that we have many girls who are multi-sport athletes. Competing year round is important."

Greene complimented the Raider's behavior and mindset.

"Number one, I know this sounds crazy, Williamsburg has great kids," she said.  "I know I may be a little biased, but we have some great kids who make great decisions. Good things happen to good people. I think our desire to be successful is second to none as well.”

The Raiders return three varsity pitchers this year - juniors Lindsay Schlabaugh and Regan Glandorf and senior Dakotah Goodell. Goodell tore her ACL in the fifth game of the 2011 season, but is fully recovered and looking forward to having a great senior year.

Glandorf posted a 5-8 record last year after stepping up and replacing Goodell.

“Regan gained a ton of game experience last year that will be very beneficial for her this season," Greene said. "She has worked hard throughout the entire off-season and is ready to step on the field as an experienced pitcher."

Schlabaugh is another top pitcher, posting a 15-10 record last years with an ERA of 2.63. She earned her second team Wamac West honors.

Greene looks forward to big things out of all three of her pitchers.

The Raiders lost an important piece to their infield to graduation. Hannah Wilson was the starting shortstop for the past five years and it will be tough to fill her shoes. Greene is optimistic there are several options.

The infield is otherwise very talented.

“Our right side of the infield has been the same for five years now with seniors Mackenzie Bigbee at first base and McCall Meade at second base," she said. "Both are tremendous athletes and make it nearly impossible to sneak anything through that side of the field.”

Junior Lindsey Huedepohl started at third base last year and has continued to work on her game. She is feeling more and more comfortable at the corner and at the plate.

Freshman Jess Miller and sophomore Sadie Ritchie did the bulk of the catching last year for the Raiders.

“Jess caught the majority of the innings late in the season and is workhorse behind the plate,” Greene said.

Williamsburg's outfield is very athletic and flexible. Schlabaugh and Goodell both play outfield when not pitching. Greene noted both get a great jump on fly balls.

“There are very few balls that fool Schlabaugh," she said. "She sees it off the bat so well. Goodell's strength would be her arm and willingness to sacrifice her body to keep balls in front of her,” said Greene.

Senior Lindsey Spratt, junior Regan Glandorf and sophomores Olivia Bigbee and Sadie Ritchie also will be important pieces to the outfield.

“Bigbee has played some left field innings for us," Green said. " She has great athleticism and I can see her becoming more and more comfortable in the outfield. Regan, when not pitching, will also see some innings in the outfield.”

Greene complimented Spratt's ability to be versatile.

“She has been a jack of all trades throughout her high school career," she said. "She has spent innings at catcher, third base and outfield. She is a true utility player who will play any position to help her team.”

Eighth grader Carly Schlabaugh will be a talented newcomer that will definitely help the Raiders this year and the future years.

“Carly is a true utility player," Greene said. "She is a good base runner, she can play infield, outfield and can also pitch.”

While the Raiders' strength is their experience, finding a shortstop and a lack of confidence or belief in one another could be a major weakness.

“This team will need to come together as a group and work for a common goal," Greene said. "Building their confidence and belief in one another will be crucial as well as learning to fight through adversity.

"It's such a short compact season, there won't be time to hang heads or be down. We will need to be able to pick up one another and push through some tough times as well as working to make those around us better each and every single day."

Greene will lean on three seniors to help lead the team and guide the underclassman in the right direction.

Goodell, who recently placed second at the state track and field meet in the discus and will take her talents to the University of Iowa as a thrower, is listed as a leader.

“Everyone knows where they stand with Dakotah," Greene said. "She tells it like it is and doesn't sugar coat anything. At the same time she will do anything for those around her to help them become better.”

Bigbee, the outstanding volleyball player and ISU recruit,  also is considered a leader.

“Mackenzie is a four-sport athlete, which is not very common anymore," Greene said. "I think girls look to her to be their leader whether it is vocal or by example.”

Meade, who will continue playing softball at Coe College, is the last senior Greene will look to to help lead this team.

“McCall's love for the game is obvious to anyone watching," she said. "She wants to succeed and is willing to help all of those around her.”

Greene is very optimistic about this season because of the returning experience and the will to compete. Big goals and dreams are in reach for the Raiders.

“Our goal is to compete for the Wamac Conference title and to make to state," she said. "As far as individual goals for the players, as long as we all take care of the little things and pay attention to detail some of those individual awards will follow. I do want to see our four seniors each have a tremendous year. They have given so much to not only this program, but the entire school and community for the past 4-5 years.”

Greene asks her girls how do they want to be remembered and reminds them how they are representing their school, community and families at all times. Being role models is what Williamsburg wants other team to envy from their program.

“I see a lot of great things for the Raiders this summer," Greene said. " One thing is for sure is that we are going to compete. I only hope that someday some of these girls will look back and be thankful for the memories that were made because making memories with your teammates is something no one can ever take away from you.

"It's time to make it count and be more than memorable, but be unforgettable."