Spring Athletics ends with a “surprise”

            After 2 of the 3 fall sports’ programs went to the regional playoffs, the spring programs looked to continue their success.  Basketball, softball and baseball are the college’s 3 spring sports programs.  Each had their successes and disappointments over the course of their respective seasons.

            1^st year head basketball coach Doug Galyean had some tough challenges during his only year as head coach.  Playing with only 8 players and a very tough schedule were just two of the challenges.  There were some bright spots during the season, but most of the games ended in defeat.  The ladies would be able to keep most of the games close during the 1^st half and then the depth of the opponent and the lack thereof for the Wranglers would take its toll in the 2^nd half.  The Lady Wranglers were unable to make the post-season tournament but were rewarded with a post-season announcement that one of the Lady Wranglers, hometown lady Shelly Strickland, was named to the all-conference 1^st team.  Later on the spring, Coach Galyean accepted a position with the Eastland High School athletic program and Coach Parchman found a replacement in another hometown lady.  Cayla Petree is the new Lady Wrangler basketball coach.  We will re-introduce you to her later in the summer as we begin to profile the different Cisco athletic programs during the summer months. 

            Coach White was cautiously optimistic about the beginning of the 2007 baseball season.  And that optimism became reality when the team started the season with a 14 or 15 game winning streak.  The offense and defense provided the sparks needed to get the Wranglers off to a fast start.  The pitching staff was led by Chris McMullen and Rusty Roberts.  Justin McPherson and Butch Ballez were constant threats from the plate for Coach White.  They entered the conference schedule with an outstanding record, only losing a couple of games before starting the NTJCAC. 

            As the conference wore on, there were obviously some teams better than the Wranglers.  But they were in all but 1 or 2 games.  Grayson and Temple were the conference leaders.  The season for the Wranglers came down to the last series versus Vernon.  They needed some help from Ranger…who swept Hill…and then on a “power ranking” were unable to make the post-season tournament.  Coach White was very pleased with his team and said that he couldn’t remember a team he liked to be around or coach like this one.  The team finished with a 32-17 overall record and a 16-16 conference record.  Unfortunately, the Wranglers were overlooked when it came to post-season awards…but they all worked hard and were a “joy” to be around. 

            The “surprise” this season comes from the Lady Wranglers softball season.   The regular season and the conference schedule were pretty tough for Coach Moore and the Lady Wranglers.  They were in a couple of tournaments before conference play…they won a few games but did not place very high.  The conference started and there were obviously some more dominant teams.  The ladies worked hard and stayed competitive all year.  With a late season victory, the Lady Wranglers secured a 5^th seed in the Region 5 North post-season tourney.  The tourney was in McKinney and the Lady Wranglers “surprised” the entire conference by finishing a strong third behind Temple and the eventual winner of the tourney, McLennan.  Alex Carraman was announced as a 1^st team conference softballer.  3 others were voted on the second team.  Way to go, Coach Moore and the Lady Wrangler softballers for a great end to a very successful athletic season. 

            Congratulations to all of the Spring athletic programs of the Cisco Junior College.   We want to thank all of our family and friends for their wonderful support.  As the summer heats up, we will continue to keep you updated on the different programs Cisco Junior College offers.  So enjoy and keep supporting the Wranglers!!!