It’s officially district time for Ninnekah baseball and softball! After a season filled with practices, games, early mornings, long afternoons, and plenty of hard work, both Owl teams are ready to take the field and compete for a chance to keep their seasons alive.
The Ninnekah baseball team will travel to Union City on Wednesday, September 23, to take on the Tigers. The first game is scheduled for 5:00 p.m., with the second game following.
The Ninnekah softball team will travel to Arapaho-Butler on Friday, September 25. The first game is scheduled for 5:00 p.m., with the second game following.
For the players, districts are an opportunity to put everything they have worked on throughout the season onto the field.
“We’ve got to keep our Owl pride up,” baseball head Coach Price said. “We’re looking forward to the game and showing everyone what we can do.”
Assistant baseball Coach Dewall is also confident in what the Owls can bring to the field.
“I think we’re going to go out there and compete a lot more than people think,” Dewall said. “We’ve hung with teams that are similar in skill, and I think our guys are ready to compete.”
For some players, the season has been about overcoming challenges and finding their rhythm along the way. Senior baseball player Tanner Haney said the season may have started out tough, but the team has begun to find its groove.
“If everyone can hit the ball, stay confident, and stay competitive, I think we’ll succeed.”
On the softball side, Coach Pearson said the team’s attitude and effort have been important throughout the season.
“Our team has a great attitude, gives great effort, and can be very competitive,” Pearson said.
Assistant softball Coach Drennan said the season has tested the team in many ways, including injuries and difficult games, but the girls have continued to show up and battle. “Success is not always measured by the scoreboard. I am so proud of them and wish them the best of luck.”
Senior softball player Olivia Jones Standing said the team has worked hard not only on the field, but also on their attitude and effort.
“We’ve worked hard on our attitude and effort and learned to put aside the wins and losses,” Jones said. “We’ve focused on making the game fun and enjoying it together.”
For the seniors, districts can be especially meaningful as they take the field knowing that every game could be one of their final games in an Owl uniform. While the competition is important, the memories made throughout the season will last beyond the final score.
Senior softball player Riley Tucker said one of the moments she will remember most after the season is a much more lighthearted one.
“After softball season is over, I’ll probably remember our slip-and-slide practice the most,” Tucker said.
As the season comes to an end, players are also thinking about what they want their teams and teammates to remember. Kolten Jerdee hopes people see the potential this group has.
“As the season ends, I want people to remember that we all have the potential to do something great,” Jerdee said.
Now, it’s time for the Owls to put all their hard work to the test. With their teammates beside them and the support of their coaches, families, classmates, and community behind them, both teams are ready to compete.
Make sure to wear your red and black, cheer loudly, encourage the players, and let our Owls know that their community is behind them every step of the way.
Come support your Owls as they battle through districts!