Bruce Secrest was at a loss for words about how proud he is of this Steward baseball team.
For 42 years, Secrest has been the head of the Spartans program. He loves his kids, their youth and not only helping them become great players but great young men. Though Steward lost 12-2 to Highland in the VISAA Division II baseball final, Secrest loves this group, is thankful for the journey they went on and is thrilled with what they've accomplished.
"After 42 years, it's always hard," Secrest said, getting a little choked up. "They are tremendous assets to our program. They do it the right way. They've worked hard, they've earned it."
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Steward, the four seed, worked its way to the title game by knocking off top-seeded Greenbrier Christian Academy 8-5 on Friday. But facing Highland, who the Spartans lost to 6-5 in the regular season, they knew they were going to have to put their best foot forward.
The game was close in the first three innings. Highland senior Benjy Cardone hit a solo home run in the first inning, putting the team up 1-0. In the third inning, still down a run, Secrest's Spartans didn't falter.
Though not the most traditional way, Steward got runners on base and put on a base-running show. Junior Oliver McGregor walked, with two outs on the board, then weaved his way to second and third. McGregor tied the game up by getting home on a wild pitch.
Historic St. Catherine's softball season ends in VISAA title game loss to Bishop O'Connell
Senior lead-off hitter Caden Proctor gave the Spartans the lead, running home after senior captain Brian Archer singled. Steward led 2-1 going into the bottom of the third.
"We got a few little gifts there along the way," Secrest said. "I'm just real thankful to be here today and be here with this group of young guys."
From there, Highland got hot. The Hawks scored four runs in the third, four runs in the fourth and three runs in the fifth to run-rule Steward.
"Congratulations to Highland, they did a tremendous job," Secrest said. "But my guys, I love them. They're fighters, and it's been that way for us all year."
The Spartans were getting contact off starting pitcher Stephen Christopher, the batters just couldn't find the gaps. In the fifth, Highland's Cardone once again hit a home run, the walk off, as he was greeted with the water-cooler dump once he hit home plate.
"Obviously, we wanted to stay close," Secrest said. "We stayed close for four innings, then all sudden, we turn a seven inning game to a three inning game.
"It all comes down to God. He's been so good to us, and he's blessed us so much and all the praise goes to him for all the things he teaches us."
St. Catherine's softball advances to VISAA state final with win over Trinity Epsicopal
Secrest said every Steward team is a little different. Through his 42 years he's seen the high's, lows and all the in-between.
For him, it's not the destination but the journey. And to go on a journey with this Spartans group was simply a blessing.
"The main thing that never changes is the love that these groups have for each other and love that we have for them," Secrest said. "Sometimes talents are different, but the hearts of the young men are the same, and so this group is kind of their own group."
Secrest is optimistic about the future for Steward and is excited to build off this season. He has four hitters returning and freshman pitcher Rory Wittershiem has promise for three more years.
Steward knows what it takes to go all the way. Next season and beyond, they'll keep building and remembering what it took to get to the final. With pieces in place for years to come, watch out for Steward baseball.
"I believe in young people, that's been what I do with my life," Secrest said. "I'm extremely proud for what they've done," Secrest said. "I believe in the Lord Jesus. If I ever stop believing, that's when I got to get out.
"We got a great group of young kids coming back. So nothing's different. We play for May, we play for this time of year. That's what we'll do next year."
PHOTOS: St Catherine's softball vs. Bishop O'Connell
Savannah Reger
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Savannah Reger
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