Coyote baseball determined to pick up where they left off

by Rick Mauch

The start of baseball season, the cracking of the bat against the ball, the nip in the air of early season followed by the warmth of spring – it's almost here for Weatherford College.

And this season there is extra excitement surrounding the Coyotes as they feel they have unfinished business. They were off to a strong start, especially in conference play, in 2020 when the season was suddenly shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Coyotes return three position starters, along with seven pitchers from last season. Position players back are freshman Nate Rooney (Mansfield) at first base, sophomore Hunter Rosson (Aledo) playing infield/outfield and sophomore Brett Brown (Godley) at third base.

Pitchers returning are freshman left-hander Caden Hawkins (Midlothian), sophomore right-hander Hayden Alexander (Burleson), freshman left-hander Sam Collins (Azle), sophomore left-hander Cade Farr (Fort Worth All Saints), freshman right-hander Devan Lindsey (Corsicana), sophomore right-hander Matthew Hickey (Granbury) and freshman right-hander Jase Lopez (Brock).

Due to the early shutdown of the season, the NJCAA ruled that players could return to their teams with the same eligibility status as a year ago.

Third-year hitters Hunter Rosson and Brett Brown will lead the way on offense with newcomer Brenden Dixon (freshman middle infielder, Argyle, transfer from the University of Texas).

"Rosson and Brown have both had success in JUCO already and know what it's going to take to climb to the top of the mountain," said head coach Jeff Lightfoot. "Dixon has established himself as a leader in a short time with his energy, baseball IQ and work ethic. We have several leaders on the mound, including third-year guys Hickey, Alexander and Farr. These guys understand what's ahead and the blueprint for success."

Other newcomers who could make an impact include transfers Jacob Guerrero (freshman outfielder, Colleyville, transfer from the University of New Mexico) and Blake Mayfield (freshman right-handed pitcher, Flower Mound, transfer from Texas A&M).

True freshmen looking to prove themselves at the college level include outfielder Kameron Weil (Arlington), middle infielder/right-handed pitcher Austin Green (New Diana), first baseman Tony Garza (Grand Prairie), outfielder Jayden Hill (Frisco), outfielder Cade Conway (Paris) and numerous others, Lightfoot noted.

"Recruiting during the pandemic has been a challenge, but we were able to put together another outstanding class," Lightfoot said. "On the mound, freshman Adrian Siravo (Gilford, N.H.) will be one of the guys at the top of the rotation. Siravo is a pro prospect and brings with him an attitude and dominant presence to go along with his 95 miles per hour fastball.

"Green should have an impact offensively and on the mound. Green has a big arm with a fastball in the low 90s and is expected to get some big outs late in the game," Lightfoot continued. "Kam Weil will man centerfield. Kam has elite speed and will create havoc for opponents on the base paths."

And while hopes are to get in a full season in 2021, Lightfoot has told his team to be prepared for anything.

"The biggest message that I have hammered home with our guys is to be adaptable," he said. "With the potential to have multiple guys out at any given time we need to be ready to embrace different roles and expect to use our full roster."

To reduce the risk of COVID-19, the team will review the guidelines laid out by the CDC and the state of Texas and follow any recommendations as it relates to crowds and protocols," Lightfoot said.

"We expect to have fans in a limited capacity determined by the state," he said.

And, as always, the Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Conference and Region V will feature some of the nation's best teams.

"Our region has four or five teams in the top 25 in the nation. Our conference is loaded again," Lightfoot said. "There are several teams in the region that have a legit shot at a national title. It will be a battle."

Lightfoot is also excited about all of the Coyotes' games being livestreamed this season and available through the Texas Sports Radio Network (www.tsrnsports.com).

The Coyotes begin at the Tournament of Champions in Houston Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 30-31 (no fans will be permitted at this tournament).

The home opener will be Saturday, Feb. 6, against Navarro College at Roger Williams Ballpark. For an up-to-date schedule, visit www.wcathletics.com.