Coach expects hard work to overcome inexperience
SENIOR WRITER
Coach Will McCrotty said he expects the Russellville Cyclones, despite graduating several seniors, to adjust and play competitively this season. “Our biggest challenge this year will be experience,” he said. “We lost a core group of seniors last year, and the guys who will step in and play will be young and inexperienced at the varsity level. With that being said, I believe our guys will adjust quickly, which will allow us to be competitive day in and day out.” McCrotty is at the helm of the 6A team for the third year. He followed in the footsteps of his father, longtime Russellville baseball coach Denny McCrotty. The 2017 record was 12-14 — an improvement from the squad’s 9-17 finish in 2016 — and 6-6 in the conference. Will McCrotty will get support from assistant coaches Nick Brill and Matt Shade. Returning starters for the Cyclones are seniors Bryson George, Ryan Talley, Craig DeFrancisco and Reed Rispoli, as well as sophomore Cole Dawson. “We have a solid group of guys with good hands and excellent range in the field,” McCrotty said. He named George as the best hitter for average. “George is a gap-to-gap hitter and will occasionally hit one out of the park,” McCrotty said. “He has good plate discipline and a short, compact swing.” George has committed to Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. Eli Thomas, a 6-3 sophomore, “has all the makings of a hitter who can drive the ball out of the ballpark,” the coach said. Thomas will be a utility player serving time as a catcher, pitcher, third baseman and first baseman. He’s also the fastest player on the team, the coach added. The team’s pitchers are Rispoli and sophomores Eli Thomas, Jack Snider and Cole Hathcote. “My expectations for this season is for our guys to go out and compete to the best of their abilities,” McCrotty said. “If we work hard, have a positive attitude and have some fun, this season will be a success on the field. “I am excited about the 2018 season. We have some hardworking young men who love to compete and love the game of baseball. Hopefully, their attitude and commitment will allow them to have a great 2018 season.”