Bailey, Cone outline upcoming season at Sports Lunch

By Alonzo Garza
POST-REGISTER

Lion Baseball Coach Pat Bailey and Lady Lion Softball Coach Lisa Cone introduced themselves to Sports Lunch attendees at Kreuz Market at noon on Thursday, Feb. 19 before taking turns outlining their season after a brief welcome by Lockhart High School Athletic Director Melinda Kirst.

Both Bailey and Cone were direct and to th

e point. Cone spoke first and reminded everyone present the Lady Lions made it to the playoffs last season.

“We really didn’t expect to be out of the playoffs after the first round,” she said. “The girls played very well last year and we are sure we can get there again.”

Cone went on to talk about the team’s lineup and expressed desire to have more players on the Varsity team.

“We have 11 girls on the Varsity team,” she said. “And quite honestly, I wish we had more.”

Cone talked about senior Chelsy Martinez and her solid level of play in last season’s playoff game. She mentioned Jamie Schulle and Taylor Boedecker when she talked about Lady Lion pitching. She also mentioned four sophomores returning to the Varsity team. She said two additional sophomores and a freshman had been pulled up to the Varsity team to get them used to pitching.

Cone ended her allotted speaking time talking about softball scholarships and the recent Lady Lion Softball Field improvements.

According to Kirst, the district is trying to get all sports facilities to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well improving the playing fields.

“We now have handicap parking and sidewalks to the Lady Lion concession stand and field,” Kirst said. “We had a lot of cement put under the bleachers and around the field. We will fence it all in and get new bleachers eventually.”

Bailey also talked about improvements to the Lion Field.

“We have put in lights in the batting cages,” he said. “Our old bleachers will also be upgraded eventually, but the field and the lights are our priority.”
Bailey talked about his position as Recruiting Coordinator for athletes at the high school along with the Head Baseball Coach duties and Kirst chimed in with her appreciation for the both coaches.

“Both of these coaches carry a full load of teaching along with their coaching duties,” Kirst said.

Bailey went on to talk about the great expectations he has for the baseball teams.

“My expectations are a district championship,” he said. “My feeling is we need to put as much money and attention to baseball and softball as we do into the football program. We are already seeing a big difference. I’m the only coach who has great lighting in the batting cages.”

Bailey mentioned the senior-laden team does not have many returning starters.
“Only four seniors were starters last year, but we should be okay” he said. “Hays, Elgin, Manor, Lehman, San Marcos and Del Valle each have good teams. All teams, including ours, are equally capable of getting to the district championship game.”

The Lions will play a total of 17 games and participate in at least three tournaments.

Opening day was Monday, Feb. 23, against Dripping Springs. The Lions host a three-day Lockhart Tournament from Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 26-28.
The next Lion Lunch meeting will be held at Kreuz’s Market on Thursday, March 5 and will feature the LHS soccer coaches.

See you at the game.

agarza@post-register.com