2016* Wildcat baseball co-captains, congratulated by 2015 captains (L to R): Reed Thomas, Michael Stein*, Brett Stell, Wils Popejoy*, Robert Coomber, Collin Dishman*, Sergio Soler, Hunter Punjak* (photo courtesy of Chris Dishman)
The Lake Highlands Wildcat baseball program recognized its 2015 varsity and junior varsity teams at its annual team banquet on May 11. Attendees included Principal Frank Miller, new Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Lonnie Jordan and speaker George Teague, former Dallas Cowboy and currently Head Coach and Athletic Director at the Shelton School.
Although the varsity finished out of the playoff mix in District 10-6A, the Wildcats improved with 3 wins in the second half of the district campaign to close with a 4-10 district mark and 4-15 overall. The 2015 season will be remembered for its unprecedented number of cancellations and schedule changes due to weather and field conditions.
“Even though the season was quite challenging with all the rain, the boys fought hard,” says Head Coach Cory Tucker. “We had our ups and downs but finished up strong and we have a good core group to build on for next season,” Tucker adds.
The Wildcats were well represented in District 10-6A honors. Selected all-district second team were pitchers Sergio Soler and freshman Michael Stein, third baseman Robert Coomber, outfielder Brett Stell and designated hitter Sam Haster. Utility player Reed Thomas, outfielder Collin Dishman and catcher Hunter Punjak received honorable mention.
Coach Tucker announced the 2016 varsity co-captains as selected by players and coaches. They are Dishman, Punjak, Stein and Wils Popejoy. The high sellers for the team’s fundraising raffle, in this order, were also recognized: Addison Berta, Will Morgan, Coomber, Tripp Enlow, Thomas and Stell.
The 2015 weather experience did lead to one positive development. Thanks to the generosity of the Lake Highlands community in supporting the baseball program and the Wildcat Club, including outfield banner sponsorships and the raffle, the team now has an infield tarp that should help minimize the number of future rainouts and postponements at the baseball field.
Congratulations to the 2015 Wildcat baseball teams on a successful season and these accomplishments.
Follow the Wildcat baseball program on Facebook, Lake Highlands High School Baseball 2015, www.facebook.com/lhhsbaseball.