By Dennis Bowling
Beecher Coach Kevin Hayhurst, who is one of the top mentors in this area and in the State of Illinois, has extremely high hopes for the Bobcats. They have 11 outstanding returning players and should have a remarkable season, beginning on March 14.
Hayhurst begins his 21st year with the Bobcats and holds a very impressive record of 555 wins, 101 losses, one tie, plus four state titles.
Last season, the Bobcats lost in the regional final, finishing with a 23-8 overall mark. Currently, Beecher should be able to win a regional title game, and Hayhurst has three outstanding hurlers to lead the way.
“We have a very good mix of young and older players,” he said. “We ‘ll be a very competitive group.”
There also are highly-touted incoming freshmen, who have won two IESA state titles at the junior high level. Freshmen hurlers include right handers Ava Lorenzatti and Taylor Norkus. The sophomore pitcher is Abby Papas, who is a left-handed hurler.
“We’ll do well,” he said. “Our defense and pitchers have high goals. Ava has a good representation of speed and ball movement and, indeed, is coming in with a lot of accolades.”
“Taylor has velocity,” he continued. “She is just a great all-around pitcher, while Abby is a strong pitcher and is our most improved player.”
Hayhurst has chosen junior Emma Tiltges to be the Bobcat catcher and noted, “Emma is a good receiver. She is very upbeat and has great skills behind the plate.”
Tiltges feels she can handle the highly touted Bobcat pitching staff and remarked, “I know all our pitchers. I can receive Ava, who is fast and has a very good rise ball with movement. Taylor is great, along with having the best rise ball. I can work with her. Abby has a great attitude and is very coachable. Her ball has a different spin to it.”
Hayhurst is undecided about who will play the first base position. Options include: Seniors Kylie Cook – a third baseman, Abby Sippel – a second baseman, and sophomore Ava Olson – a shortstop.
“Kylie has a steady bat and has a good all-around game,” he said. “Abby (Sippel) is a good hitter and a solid defender, while Ava (Olson) is very quick and can hit the ball. She has a great arm.”
Cook, a three-year starter, has high hopes for the upcoming season and commented, “We all communicate and get along very well. We are all very skilled athletes.”
“It is just amazing that Emma can play the catcher position,” she continued. “She will step up and do that. Abby (Sippel) is a very good hitter, plus Ava (Olson) can cover a lot of ground and has a good arm.”
Sippel, who is a volleyball and softball standout, is very optimistic and is ready to go.
“It will be a fun and exciting season,” she said. “We have high expectations and would like to win a state championship title. Ava (Lorenzatti) is strong in the circle and is just amazing to watch. Abby (Papas) has gotten stronger, Kylie is a good teammate, and Ava (Olson) is a strong defender.”
The team’s seniors include outfielder Kamryn Koontz and centerfielder Kendall Kasput.
“I am just hoping that we can do well,” said Koontz. “Our pitchers and defense are very good, and Abby (Sippel) is a great teammate.”
“Emma is a decent catcher and is always positive,” said Kasput, “and Abby (Sippel) is a real power hitter.”
Kasput will continue her education and softball career at Clarke College in Iowa. She is a prestigious member of the Honor Roll and National Honor Society.