Sports - May 2003

Successful season closes with pride

Published May 21, 2003

By JOHN MARK BROOKS, Staff Writer

The East Lincoln JV baseball team completed their season at a 11-5 overall mark and a 7-2 mark in the conference.

Their record in the conference was good enough for a first-place tie with East Gaston.

Coach Matt Neville was pleased with his team’s performance.

“The kids were open-minded, hardworking and ready to be shown how to succeed. Them going from last to first over the course of a year is really a testament to them,” he said.

Shane Brackett, Seth Alexander, Mitchell Lynch and Trent Hovis were key performers all season.

The varsity baseball team led by coach Bruce Bolick was not to be outdone. They finished the year at a 18-7 clip with a 8-4 record in the conference, helping their coach pick up his 400th victory.

Bolick felt that their season was in large part due to his senior leadership.

“My seniors were very focused and hardworking. They excelled under pressure,” he said.

Josh Hamby, David and Mike Rue, Danny O’Brien, Mathew McIntosh, Michael Duggan, Tyler Burleson and Patrick Benfield all rounded-up their varsity careers.

“The Rue brothers are like the foundation of your house — you can count on them to be steady time in and time out,” Bolick said.

The coach felt that baseball IQ was the reason his catcher did well.

“Benfield was moved to catcher late in the season and did a real good job — he’s a real smart player.

Hamby, a reliever for the Mustangs, did a solid job all year.

“He’s a real aggressive player and has done a good job on the mound all year,” said Bolick.

Bolick also noted Danny O’Brien and Mathew McIntosh for their work ethic.

“O’Brien is a hard worker and very intense. Mathew was a very good all-around team player. He encouraged the younger kids a lot,” said Bolick.

Two key players for the Mustangs reserve were Michael Duggan and Tyler Burleson.

“Duggan picked up some key hits for us in a DH role. Burleson was a very versatile player and contributed as a pinch runner,” Bolick said.

The Mustangs went 7-2 in their last nine games, but fell just short of making the state playoffs.

With the JV team doing well and plenty of young talent returning, Mustang fans have a lot to look forward to.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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