By: Barry Narramore and Shawn Renfro
It’s that time of year once again. It’s the time when all sports-minded Midway citizens turn their collective attention away from the basketball court and begin to focus on the softball and baseball diamonds. It’s the time when the Bluff overlooking the great state of SOR Central comes alive with the pinging of bats and the muffled slapping of leather gloves.
The Midway Lady Waves have been hard at work all winter long in anticipation of the upcoming season. The girls are dedicated to making a run back to the State tournament after a two-year absence. The Lady Waves came up only one run short of State in 2010 and two runs short in 2011.
This year’s team will have four returning seniors. Danielle Borum, Taylr Hall, Hali Morris and Hayley Patterson share a total of 17 years of first string experience at the high school level. We caught up with these seniors last week to get their thoughts on the upcoming season.
SORSN: It’s your senior season, ladies. Tell us what the goals of the team are this year.
Morry: I think our goals are the same as they are every year. We want to win District, Region, and make our way to the ‘Boro.
Taylr: Yes. The main goal for the 2012 team is definitely to be in Murfreesboro in May!
Patty: Yeah, to go to State. And also to succeed with our regular season schedule, which is tougher this year.
Danielle: I believe everybody’s goal this year is to go to State, but I think we should look to accomplish the small things first. Then, all the little things turn into a huge accomplishment.
SORSN: Girls, in your three years playing for the Lady Waves, you’ve had six different coaches. Now you’ll be playing for your seventh. It took the Tennessee Vols football team three coaches in four years to go completely in the tank. How do you Lady Waves deal with the changes and keep winning year after year?
Taylr: Over the years the players on our team have had a lot of great coaches. That started for us in youth league. Our dads and moms have helped us to continue to learn, and many of us also play travel ball for other coaches. So, we are used to the variety. Hopefully, we have all learned something from each coach we’ve had, and we’ll continue to value this diversity. Thank you to all our coaches!
Danielle: Yes, all the coaches we’ve had have helped us extremely. They have all had the same perspective on things. Our new coach Megan will just be another coach that fits right into our winning streak. She knows exactly what she’s doing and she’ll push us to our limits just as the others have.
Patty: And our whole team keeps an open mind for whoever comes along. We try and work hard for every coach!
Morry: I agree. It hasn’t been that hard to adapt to different coaches. All of our coaches have been great! We have a great group of girls, which contributes to our winning records. Having a different coach doesn’t really affect the way we play.
SORSN: Seniors, looking back on your high school years, what single win gives you the fondest memories and why?
Danielle: The time we played Kingston, across the river, when we went into nine or ten innings and then came out with the win. Looking at all of their faces as we shook hands… Priceless!
Morry: Yeah, that win at Kingston our sophomore year. Kingston always has a good team, and to beat them really meant something.
Patty: And Wild Wings afterward with the team was great!
Taylr: Also, last year, we had to beat Rockwood by six runs to win the District. We got the win, and by many more than the required six. Everything came together that night. It felt great!
SORSN: You will be remembered as the first Lady Waves team to play under the lights. How special is that?
Patty: Pretty dadgum sweet if you ask me! And a great memory to be able to look back on.
Morry: It’s very special. We’ve played with so many great players, and to be the first team under the lights is an honor.
Danielle: It’s special to us because we all had to fight to get those lights. We were the only softball team in Roane County that didn’t have any. So this is a big thanks to the parents and administration for fighting for us to be able to have them this year!
Taylr: It’s been too long in the making, and it will be a great memory for our team!
SORSN: Let’s hear two of your funniest moments in your high school softball careers.
Danielle: When we were playing Webb once, Hannah Coyler hit a grounder and was trying her best to beat it out. Instead, she slipped right on the bag and busted her face. Another funny thing to me is that when my Dad would get thrown out of a game, I would be up to bat and could see him standing out in the parking lot still screaming and yelling.
Patty: I was also gonna say the time when Hannah fell at Webb. Ashley Alexander also had a fall at first base in the same game.
Taylr: The many different dances Craig seemed to do at third base, but he never was able to avoid getting hit by foul balls. Also, Barry falling backwards off the bucket last year when warming up the pitchers.
Morry: It’s too hard of a decision to just pick two! Every day with these girls is an adventure within itself. I’m pretty sure we laugh more than we talk.
(Note: Hannah’s momentous dive and Barry’s bucket adventure seem to have become perennial favorites in this category. We only wish we had video.)
SORSN: Lastly ladies, when your final season has been completed, what do you hope Midway fans will remember most about you as a player?
Danielle: I would want them to think of me as a player who gave 100% every play and never took a play off. Also, I would love for them to remember me as a player who has amazing sportsmanship and would do anything to protect her fellow teammates.
Patty: I hope they remember me for my hard work, for my dedication, for giving all I’ve got and for kicking A at short stop!
Morry: I hope they can see how hard all of us have worked. I want the fans to remember how dedicated I am and how I never give up.
Taylr: I hope I’m remembered as a team player who worked hard to improve over my four years. Remember, I was the girl that couldn’t even catch the ball in sixth grade. I am proud to be a part of the Midway Softball tradition.
SORSN: Thanks a lot, ladies. It has been a pleasure to follow your softball careers. Good luck this season and Go Lady Waves!!!!!!