By LANCE HOOPER
Sports Editor
Amarillo College’s Badger Baseball sophomore season is one of resilience and achievement. Despite falling short of their ultimate goals, the team managed to carve out a remarkable season that left a watermark in their program’s young history.
From the outset, the players and coaching staff were driven by a shared vision of going out, having fun and doing what they do best. Head coach Brandon Rains follows up with, “As far as our opponents go we like to focus on what we do, which is throw strikes, limit the amount of walks and play conservative on defense.”
They knew that being a new program meant facing unique challenges, but the Badgers embraced the season with determination and passion. Rains adds, “Our goals will always be to compete for a conference championship year in and year out. We feel we have the talent to do that and all we need to do is play hard and play for one another.”
Throughout the season, Badger Baseball has showcased their talent and dedication on the field, earning recognition and respect from their peers and fans alike. Their hard work paid off when the Badgers clinched NJCA top 10 ranking for most homeruns from player Grant Watkins, an award for outstanding performance that is testament to his relentless effort and commitment to excellence.
The first annual Amarillo Athletics Banquet just happened this week honoring all Amarillo College athletic programs. Badger baseball had a phenomenal season. The event venue was provided by Reed Beverage Distribution, and catering was provided by Sinfully Delicious Bbq based out Friona Texas.
Cross Country coach, Sean Hargrove, organized the event for staff and players. Badger Baseball highlights from the ceremony include Christopher Benavidez being awarded MVP of the year, Co-offensive players of the year were Grant Watkins and David De Hoyos, defensive player of year Peyton Bush and pitcher of the year was Brett Deegan.
For Chris Benevidez winning the MVP Baseball award is a significant achievement for any player and reflects not only his exceptional skill but his leadership, sportsmanship and his dedication. While the season may not have ended exactly as they had hoped, the achievements of Badger Baseball serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for the future of Badger Athletics.
Sports Information Director, Nathan Heuer said the team gained momentum this year. “For a two-year program going up against 30 year programs we held our own coming in fifth in NJCAA Division is a major accomplishment.”
Coach Rains, Cobb and Zettle really built a team that 75% will be returning next year.” Each game, the Badgers continued to build upon their success, laying the foundation for even greater accomplishments in the Badger Baseball seasons to come. “When you’re playing larger programs with a larger pitching staff, followed by some pitching injuries this season, you end up having challenges out of your control, but everyone offensively adapted for an overall successful season,” Heuer said.
As they reflect on their journey, the players and coaches of Badger Baseball can take pride in knowing that they have made their mark on the NJCAA Division I baseball landscape, leaving a legacy that will be remembered for a season to build on.
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