Under the direction of coach Brad Gore, the Enid High School Plainsmen are excited for their upcoming baseball season. Coaching the sport for nearly 3 decades, Brad Gore has recently been inducted into the Oklahoma State University Hall of Fame.
Last season, the Enid Plainsmen went 25-10 for the season. They also won the regional at Sand Springs.
Two Enid Plainsmen seniors, Jake Kennedy, and Brock Slater shared their thoughts about last season, and this upcoming season.
Jake stated, “We had a great season, last season, winning a regional against a good Sand Springs team. Playing in the state tournament was awesome, yet well fell short of our goal of a state championship.”
Teammate Brock Slater echoed Jake’s sentiments. “We had a good year, but it did not end the way we wanted.”
Both Brock and Jake are on fire for the upcoming 2023 season.
Brock stated his expectations for this year. “I am really excited for the season and cannot wait to win a state championship.”
Jake shared similar expectations. “We will go out and compete every game. We will host a regional at home at Enid’s David Allen Memorial Ball Park. We will win the regional, and go back to state ultimately win a state championship.”
Both agreed that everyone on the team plays a key role. Brock added, “We need the starting pitcher to go out and set the tone. Garrett Shull and McCage Hartling are big bats in the middle of the order. Cooper Jarnagin and Jacob Kennedy will also play a big part. Seth Carlson and Whaetly Chaloupek will be key on the mound.”
Jake stated, “The starting pitching must go out and set the tone each game on the mound. Our leadoff Brock Slater getting the offense rolling each game hitting out of the leadoff spot. Followed up some really good bats in Garrett Shull, McCage Hartling, Whaetly Chaloupek, Karter Simon, Dallas Goodpasture, Cooper Jarnagin and Aiden Robinson. Ultimately everyone on the field each game will contribute in their own ways on the mound, at the plate, or in the field.”
In terms of challenges, Brock stated, “We need to cut down on strike outs. On the mound, we need to cut out the walks and play clean defense in the field.”
With the eye on the prize of winning a state championship, Jake stated, “I’m proud of where my team is at, and what is yet to come. We work day in and day out for our ultimate goal of winning a state championship.”
