The 2016 HHS Lady Knights fast-pitch season gets underway next week with a new head coach calling the shots.
Rodrigo Barcenas is taking the reins for his first year at HHS.
softball teaser tnBarcenas, a 2006 Weleetka high school graduate, did his student teaching in Henryetta last year and was hired this past spring.
He was introduced to the lady Knights during a summer softball program. "We had 20 sign up for the summer and I am looking for about 15 to be coming out this year."
Most of those are returners from the 2015 fast-pitch season and he is going to be relying on them. "We have a few good seniors who have their head on straight and they will e working with the younger girls."
He is expecting returner Sydne King and Liz Denton to be sharing pitching duties.
"We will be working a lot of defense this year. That summer league gave the girls a lot of experience.
For several weeks, Barcenas will be handling the team by himself.
He was expecting to get some assistance from Sheri Freeman but she has been put in the bleachers following knee surgery.
He said she is going to be missed. "I love picking her brain. She has been around the game for so long."
The lady Knights have a scrimmage Aug. 5 at Oktaha then will travel to Checotah Aug. 8. They return home for the start of a six-day series beginning Aug. 9 with Indianola. On Aug. 11, they host Beggs then will have a two day festival here Aug. 12 and 13. The home stand continues with Liberty and Dewar.
CLICK HERE to see the full Lady Knights' schedule.
Thehenryettan.com will be streaming a number of the games this next week. Watch for the announcements on our Facebook page HERE.