By Trey Hunter
Sports Editor
Fireworks exploded in the air towards the end of the national anthem Monday at Okarche, signifying the start of the 2019 spring season as well as symbolizing what could be in store this year for the Warriors.
Mark Framel is entering his second season and first full year as Okarche’s baseball coach and since last fall when he took over as an assistant, the mentality surrounding the program has shifted. His vision turned to reality as the spring team’s players and staff helped turn the field and stadium around, worked with the community on charitable events and changed the atmosphere at games. All while winning baseball games as well.
“It’s got to be more than just playing the game,” Framel said. “It’s got to be more about the environment and the culture, too. That’s what makes it fun.”
Now, with a foundation in place, Framel’s squad is set to take the next step. With plenty of experience returning around the diamond as well as plenty of talent in the rotation, the Warriors should be contenders to reach the 2019 fall state tournament.
“We’re experienced,” Framel said. “Kind of thin as far as numbers, but the group on the field will be very experienced, especially on the mound. We should be able to compete each day because of the two to three arms we can match-up on the bump. The guys around them are fundamentally sound and have the makeup, we just have to stay healthy.”
Bryce Reese, Preston Hawk and Jayton Crider should handle the bulk of the starts this fall for the Warriors. Reese and Hawk bring low 80s fastballs to the table as well as two separate off-speed pitches. Framel says Crider offers a change of pace with his fastball and will spot his stuff as well as anyone on the staff.
“They’ve worked on their mechanics and being able to control three different pitches,” Framel said of the three starters. “That helps us keep guys off balance at the plate and it’s always good not to have to rely just on the fastball. They can throw with the count or against it and throw different pitches in different situations, which takes stress of our defense.”
The Warriors will rely defensively on their players up the middle, including returning catcher Carson Jacobs. Framel attributes a lot of the team’s success to his backstop, both with handling pitchers and at the plate. Nick Baustert will man center-field and Carson Baustert and Hawk will handle the middle infield positions.
“We should be very strong up the middle,” Framel said. “Carson (Jacobs) is a senior behind the plate and a great leaders. Preston (Hawk) is a returning shortstop. Plus the two juniors Nick and Carson (Baustert) bring some athleticism and like to get dirty for us and are ready to step up into some different roles for us. Defensively we should be pretty solid, especially with our core guys on the bump.
The Warriors will rely on hard contact and speed offensively. Framel preaches putting pressure on the defense and he sees 5-6 guys in his lineup that can move on the base-paths.
“We have a lot of contact guys who don’t strike out a lot,” he said. “We want power ground balls and line drives and anytime we can put pressure on the defense it’s a good thing. We also have a lot of speed and we’re aggressive the next 90 feet and beyond on the bases. That also puts extra pressure on the opponent.”
The Warriors opened with a win over 10-0, four-inning win over Dover Monday before suffering their first loss, 6-5 at Fort Cobb Tuesday. Over the course of the fall the team hosts four more home games and the Okarche Festival. They play at home against Hydro Aug. 20, Fargo Aug. 22, Lookeba Sept. 17 and Drummond Sept. 23. The Okarche Fest is scheduled for Aug. 29-31.
“I’m impressed with the group we have and honestly I think we’re going to compete in every ball game,” Framel said. He pointed to the 6-5 loss to Fort Cobb as an example as the Mustangs are due to be one of the top teams in the state.
“If we play fast paced, clean baseball, we’ll be right there with anybody.”
