FORT GIBSON SOFTBALL PREVIEW
FORT GIBSON TIGERS
Coach; JERRY WALKER
OUTLOOK
Coach Jerry Walker is ecstatic as he watches his Tigers come of age which should mean better results on the field for the veteran Fort Gibson coach.
“After having no seniors last season, we will have several this year!”, said Walker (note the exclamation point)
Heading that group of returning senior starters is Kaiah Austin.
“She’s an outstanding hitter and sound defensively. She’s a very good pitcher but can play anywhere on the field except catcher,” said Walker. “I think she’ll play at the next level and has already received some offers.”
Other seniors include Payton Russell, a solid team player who can play any position, Kristijan Cantrell the team vocal leader according to Walker, catcher Rileigh Mendenhall, Emma Spears, Matiyson Laney, Kendall Thouvenel, and Danika Earley. Other returning starters for the Tigers include junior Miley Wafford who bats leadoff and can play any spot on the field and sophomores Alexa Ragsdale and third baseman Alyria Smith.
Walker is also excited about several incoming freshmen who can contribute to the improving program. Those include a couple of pitchers in Karsten Pemberton, a right-hander and Skyla Oden, a southpaw, and Kamdyn Tapp who can play infield or outfield. Other freshmen that will be looking to break into the lineup include Cate Howe, Cheyenne Cooper, Aleah Sallee and Morgan Adney.
With a good group of experience returning and some promising freshmen, this could be a breakthrough year for the Tigers to return to winning ways.
