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54SS
THREE RIVERS EDITION/RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE DIAMOND ROUNDUP SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2020
RUSSELLVILLE CYCLONES
Senior Cole Dawson gets ready to field a ground ball.

RUSSELLVILLE BASEBALL continued from 52SS
“He is probably one of the fastest runners I’ve ever coached,” McCrotty said. “He is extremely quick, fast and smart on the bases.
“He makes things happen.”
The coach said the team’s pitching and overall defense will be strengths this year.
“I would put them up against anybody,” he said. “They do a pretty good job.”
Rotating behind the plate will be junior catch- ers Tristan Wheelus and Brant Stevens.
“Brant does a great job of calling the game,” McCrotty said. “Tristan catches and plays third base.
“Tristan has an excellent arm and tremendous power at the plate. He is able to drive the ball and get some home runs. Tristan does a good job of playing at third or catching. It really depends on if we have a double header or conference games — who will catch.”
Senior shortstop Cole Dawson is one of the team’s best hitters. He is currently batting .526 and “spreads the ball all over the field and has some power,” the coach said.
PHOTOS BY STACI VANDAGRIFF/RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITION
Adrian Edge delivers a pitch as coach Will McCrotty watches during practice.
Brayden Whitford winds up a pitch.
“He’s a guy who can put the ball in play,” McCrotty said. “Right now, the biggest thing we have implemented is more weights and conditioning.
“We have really focused this offseason on being stronger, and it has really contributed to his success. He has improved on his swing and his game.”
Dawson has committed to Kansas City Kansas Community College.
The coach said that two years ago, Russellville started incorporating more time in the weight room.
“Our baseball workout program relied mostly on football, so that was one area that I felt we needed to improve on — our strength and agility,” McCrotty said.
“I expect our players to work hard and have a positive attitude throughout the season. If we can do that, then we have a chance to compete with anyone and have a special season.”

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