Italy Gladiators Finish Their Season

Anne Sutherland Posted May 23, 2009 3:30am Italy Gladiator Baseball

Image: Showing respect — The Italy Gladiators stand in formation during the National Anthem before taking on Windthorst for the Area title. Windthorst who was ranked 2nd in Class A, ultimately won the contest 9-3. — Showing respect — The Italy Gladiators stand in formation during the National Anthem before taking on Windthorst for the Area title. Windthorst who was ranked 2nd in Class A, ultimately won the contest 9-3.

The IHS baseball boys’ season came to a screeching halt on Monday night in Mineral Wells when they fought for the Class 1A Area title against Windthorst, who was ranked 2nd in Class A. They fought a hard battle but at the end of the 7th inning the team that came to the field 25-9 was on top 9-3 moving forward in the playoffs.

Coach Matt Coker said, "We have had a tremendous year. We fought hard against a real hard ball club that will make a deep play off run. We are a young club and this was a good foundation to begin with. Our team has made a good step in the right direction and I am proud of each and every one of those kids. “We’ve had a fantastic year and we can only learn from this,” Coker added. “Justin did a fantastic job on the mound and Jasenio finished with a great job. What hurt us was too many extra outs and we gotta play better defense.” Referring to his young ball club, Coker said, “They (the boys) worked hard and did everything I asked them to all season long. We will be ready to get after it next year.”

Top hitters Monday night:

Jasenio Anderson went 2-4, scored 1
Jase Holden went 1-4, RBI
Justin Buchanan had an RBI
Josh Milligan went 1-2.

All District Honors
Justin Buchanan-Pitcher of the Year
Jasenio Anderson-Newcomer of the Year
Colten Campbell-1st Team All District
Ethan Simon-1st Team All District
Ryan Ashcraft-2nd Team All District
Jase Holden-2nd Team All District
Josh Milligan-Honorable Mention
Desmond Anderson-Honorable Mention
Dan Crowover-Honorable Mention

Preparing for battle — Team Italy digs in inside the dugout as they get prepared for the big game.

Jasenio leads — In his 1st year with the IHS Baseball Team, #10 Jasenio Anderson helped lead the Gladiators all the way to Area. And true to form, Jasenio gets a lead at 1st base.

Bobby Itson — I promised Bobby Itson we would post a pic of him not doing anything silly…like when he danced to the “Cotton-eye-joe” at a Lady Gladiators Softball game earlier in the season. This one is for you, Coach Itson.

Italy’s fans were hyped — In full support, Gladiator fans were at the game cheering the team on.

“Buc” is money — Pitcher, Justin Buchanan, pitched a strong game against Windthorst. Unfortunately, 9 fielding errors cost the Gladiators the Area Championship.

Simon trots in — After a big play, Ethan Simon heads to the dugout.

Getting fired-up — Coach Matt Coker tries to inspire his Gladiators.

Dan Crownover — That’s the spot. Dan tries to work out the kinks before taking his swings.

Josh is focused — Joshua Milligan was focused on beating Windthorst.

Josh connects — Joshua Milligan gets a hit in the Area Championship game against Windthorst.

Desmond swings — #15 Desmond Anderson works the Windthorst pitcher and eventually gets walked.

Beats the throw — Desmond beats the throw and gets back to the bag in time. However, Windthorst eventually beat Italy 9-3 to claim the Area Championship.

Jase stretches his lead — Jase Holden attempts to steal 2nd base.

Our best shot — Ethan Simon and his fellow Gladiators gave it their best shot but the season came to an end in Mineral Wells.

Anxious moments — The Italy dugout realizes they’ve got their hands full against Windthorst.

What’s the plan — Coach Matt Coker helps his guys develop a strategy.

Desmond warms up — #15 Desmond Anderson gets warmed up in the batter’s circle.

Good sports — The Gladiators lead by example and congratulate the Windthorst team for playing a good game.

The last stand — The Italy Gladiators are disappointed but determined to do even better next season.

Yeah, we wanted it — Don’t worry, the guys will shake this one off and return to the playoffs again next year. When Italy and Windthorst met at Area, Windthorst had already played twice as many games than the Gladiators.