PEA RIDGE — Senior Blackhawk ball players - softball and baseball - have played together for years and now bid one another adieu after graduation, although some hope to continue playing ball for recreation.
Playing baseball for 14 of their 18 years, Austin Wichert, Ethan Higgins, Ryan Roughton and Kolby Schooley have enjoyed the baseball diamond for most summers of their lives.
Short-stop Wichert, the son of Dave Wichert, has been in Pea Ridge for the past six years. He hopes to attend NorthWest Arkansas Community College and become a respiratory therapist.
Catcher Higgins, the son of Terri and Kurt Higgins, is a native of Pea Ridge. He plans to attend the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith and major in history.
Pitcher, and sometimes firstbaseman, Roughton, known also as “Blueberry,” is the son of Chris and Michelle Roughton. A native of Pea Ridge, he hopes to major in mathematics.
Center-fielder Schooley is the son of Bobbie and Michael Schooley and is a native of Pea Ridge. He hopes to attend the University of Arkansas an major in international business.
The boys said playing ball was a great hobby - “something to do and keep you out of trouble,” said one. Each said that although they had to make sacrifices in their choices of how to spend time, they usually cut out “laziness” and social events to keep up with their school work and athletics.
The boys, who’ve played together since T-ball days, referred to their high school coach as “John Excellent King,” and praised him for helping them learn to “keep my composure,” “be level headed.”
“He’s going to get the best out of you,” Higgins said of King.
“He’s a big motivator,” Wichert said. “He makes you realize you’ve got a chance.”
Roughton said: “He yells at everyone equally.”
“We’ve had a few losses we shouldn’t have had,” Schooley said.
“It could be worse,” Wichert said.
All agreed they’ve learned to be a leader and to help the underclassmen with both baseball strategy and character issues.
“We love the support,” Higgins said, as his classmates agreed that they love the support of the community watching their games.
“It’s a thinking game,” Schooley said of baseball.
Higgins said he’s learned to be patient.
King said: “Basically what coach Easterling and I ... if they can put up with the wrath of King and Easterling, they’re mentally tough.”
King praised the young men and said he has been called upon to give job recommendations for them, as well. He said that the character they’ve learned - and displayed - on the diamond can help them in life.
Lady Blackhawks
Senior lady ’Hawks Heather Houy, Kayla Wright, Jordan Winn, Heather Shriner and Brandi Galvan enjoy playing ball, although not all of them have been together from T-ball.
First-baseman Houy has manned second base. She is the daughter of Jan and Jerry Houy, has played ball for 14 years. She hopes to attend NWACC and major in accounting.
Left-fielder Wright is the daughter of James and Stephanie Wright and has played ball for 15 years. She hopes to attend Brigham Young University and major in elementary education.
Pitcher Winn, the daughter of Renee and Richie Winn, is a native. She plans to attend NWACC and major in accounting.
Shriner, the daughter of Evelyn Shriner, has played ball for two years. She was encouraged to try out by friends. She hopes to attend NWACC and major in early childhood education.
Galvan, the daughter of Frank and Christie Galvan, has always manned third base, she said. She hopes to attend NWACC and geta double major in education and psychology and eventually teach then become a counselor.
The ladies all agreed that asseniors, they try to set a good example for the younger players and help them through the rough spots.
“They’re a good group,” coach Josh Reynolds said. “They’re going to be missed. All five of them have done a lot for the program.”
Sports, Pages 9 on 05/09/2012