Lynn Wilhelm
CherryRoad Media
Undergoing another head coaching change, the Syracuse Rocket softball team welcomes back Gregg Weibusch as head coach for one year. Coach Weibusch notes, “After a two-year hiatus, I’m taking back the reigns for one season. The seniors were freshmen the last time I coached, so familiarity exists. A couple of the juniors were also my student managers. Having a lot of positives to build on, these girls have the opportunity to be an exciting group.”
The Rockets went 5-19 last season. With ample starters returning this season, experience shouldn’t be an issue. Returning letter-winners include sophomores Kaita Kreifels and Teagan Starzec; juniors Mayson Sprague, Kathleen Donovan, Jade Campbell, Karleigh Bridgmon, and Haleigh Werner; and seniors Aliza Haag and Madison Jording.
Working hard in the offseason playing select ball or with the Syracuse summer teams, the players also spent the summer in the weight room getting stronger, faster, and building mental toughness. They finished their summer exercises with a team camp at the end of July
Coach Wiebusch believes that a strong team must also include mental strength. The team has picked the word NEXT as its mantra, which means, Notice/Exhale/Transition. This breaks down to “Notice” when something good or bad happens, “Exhale” (take a second to celebrate or be discouraged), and “Transition.” They focus on learning and moving on to the next play, pitch, or life moment.
Assisted by Tony Starzec and Katie Juilfs, the Rocket girls have 14 players; 3 freshmen, 4 sophomores, 5 juniors, and 2 seniors. They start their campaign on Aug. 22, with a home contest against Platteview. The Rockets will play 19 varsity games over 24 days. They have 8 home dates.
Playing in the Nebraska Capitol Conference, Fort Calhoun (22-9, 2023 conference runner-up) and DC West (18-10, 2023 conference champion), look to be the favorites again. With 42 teams in Class C, Ashland-Greenwood, Bishop Neumann, and Freeman will contend for high rankings. The class is divided into 10 subdistricts. The 10 winners and the next 6 in wildcard points will play in 8 district finals games for a chance to go to the state tournament on Oct. 16-18 in Hastings and Oct 21 in Omaha.
Front row from left are Madison Jording, Griffin Bokamper, Aliza Haag; second row: Tony Starzec, Tyleigh Miller, Mayson Sprague, Karleigh Bridgmon, Haleigh Werner, Kathleen Donovan, Jade Campbell, Rorie Seelhoff, Gregg Wiebusch; third row: Teara Marrs, Katie Juilfs, Brooklynn Dennis, Calla Masters, Brylar Werner, Brooke Parsons, Kaita Kreifels, Teagan Starzec, Kamryn Manley, Mataya Petersen, and Aubrey Higgins.
Photo by Jamie Higgins
