TIGER BASEBALL PREVIEW
Last year's area champs off to fast start in '07

The seven seniors on the varsity Tiger baseball squad are, left to right, (top) Brice Clark, Chris Davis, Hagan Patterson, Jaron Hasley, (bottom) Jason O'Steen, Justan O'Steen and Nick Harrison.

The Troup Tigers set a high mark for themselves last season, completing a 13-1 district mark and finishing the season as regional quarterfinalists.

Despite losing seven seniors from that squad, the team is off to an impressive start, winning their district opener against Waskom and claiming top prize in two of three recent tournament appearances.

"We have a young team, with some inexperience, but we have depth at all positions, including pitching," said third-year head coach Cal Sparks.

Three returning starters share time on the mound for the Tigers: Brice Clark, Jason O'Steen and Nick Harrison, all seniors. Harrison earned first team all district status last year, as well as third team all state for his pitching ability.

The hurler already has a 17- strikeout game to his credit in the young '07 season.

Harrison and Cody Deese received all tournament mentions for their performance in the Gladewater tournament, where the Tigers finished second. This past weekend, Brice Clark, Austin Braswell and Joel Hasley were cited for their noteworthy play in the Frankston Tournament, where the Tigers repeated their championship finish in the Super Series.

In addition to Harrison, there are six other seniors ready to carry the mantle of leadership and experience for the Tigers: Clark, Jason O'Steen, Justan O'Steen, Hagan Patterson, Chris Davis and Jaron Hasley.

Rounding out the squad are Thacher Riddle, Adam Voigt, Preston Pittinger, Jared Ayres, Curt Lindsey, Daniel Dick and Jordan Jackson.

The Frankston wins set the team's overall record at 12-2, a nice position to be in as district play starts full swing.

"We have a very competitive district," said Coach Sparks. "Elysian Fields, Troup, Arp, Tatum and Garrison all have solid programs."

"We try to be as fundamental as possible," added Sparks, who has a 39-16 record coming into this season. Assisting Sparks are Jake Jackson and Brent Smith.