President's Report - Gordon State College
President's Report - Gordon State College
President's Report - Gordon State College
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29<br />
President’s <strong>Report</strong><br />
Zach Jones with young admirers at the JUCO World Series in Grand Junction, Colo.<br />
he restarted six years ago. “I can remember<br />
almost having to beg guys to play that<br />
first season. Now we are able to pick and<br />
choose who plays on our team.”<br />
After “Hutch,” it was the softball<br />
team’s turn to represent <strong>Gordon</strong> on the<br />
national scene.<br />
The Lady Highlanders first took the<br />
2012 GCAA Region Championship which<br />
paved the way to the NJCAA Div. 1 Women’s<br />
Softball World Series in St. George,<br />
Utah. Alas, there the Ladies lost their first<br />
two games in the double elimination tournament<br />
but came away stronger, more<br />
aware than ever of what it means to be a<br />
team and hungry to go back next year.<br />
“It was a challenging season to get<br />
them there,” said Ally Hattermann, head<br />
softball coach. “We played our hearts out<br />
and at the same time learned a lot about<br />
ourselves and each other.”<br />
One form of inspiration to win came<br />
from close by.<br />
“Our team watched the basketball<br />
team winning and were touched,” Hattermann<br />
said. “We felt if they could do it, then<br />
maybe we could do it. The basketball team<br />
led the way for all of us.”<br />
In fact the softball team was so supportive<br />
of the basketball team they stood<br />
along Highlander Way holding up signs of<br />
support as the team bus pulled off campus<br />
en route for their flight to “Hutch,” Kan.<br />
Then the baseball team started its<br />
streak to the national tournament.<br />
At the World Series the Baseball Highlanders<br />
started strong, advancing steadily<br />
across the tournament bracket winning<br />
one, then another, then another and then<br />
another before being snapped in the jaws<br />
of the San Jacinto <strong>College</strong> Gators.<br />
“We did the best we could, learned a<br />
lot and had a good time,” said McClanahan.<br />
“I think we also left a good impression<br />
with folks that we are good players on a<br />
good team. That is important.”<br />
But when all three coaches look back<br />
on their year, they can’t help but give props<br />
to <strong>Gordon</strong> Athletic Director Todd Davis.<br />
“He has had a positive impact on athletics<br />
at <strong>Gordon</strong>,” McClanahan said. “And<br />
during this tournament streak, he took care<br />
of things for all of us. We just had to coach<br />
our teams, he took care of the details.” w
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