Trae Wargo pitches in the bullpen as pitching coach Don Dobrino looks on.
GHS baseball is a right around the corner, and Coach Jeremy Smith has high hopes for a team that many are overlooking. Coach Smith, in his 2nd year of his head coaching tenure, played under Sam Stewart at GHS from 1999-2002 where he earned all-conference honors as a first baseman. With the help of Coach Don Dobrino and Coach Darrin Peterson, the baseball team hopes to return to the glory days of old.
Coach Smith, married to GHS’ softball head coach Michelle (Tucker) Smith, just recently had their first child. In between teaching at GMS, coaching, and being a new father, Coach Smith sat done with us for a few minutes to discuss this year’s team.
Who will be your ‘star’ returners? Three of my top returners will be seniors Trae Wargo, Kyle Henderson, and Joey Balzraine. Wargo will be my top pitcher and will play shortstop when he is not pitching. He plans on playing at the next level after this season. Henderson will be behind the plate and when he’s not catching, he’ll be tracking down fly balls in the outfield. Balzraine will be on the hot-corner or playing second base. Cort Hellmann, a junior, will also be a star returner. He’ll be in our starting pitching rotation, as well as playing a variety of infield positions. Basically, he’s versatile enough that we’ll use him where we need him.
Who do you expect to be your ‘surprise’ athlete? The only surprise I might have this year could be from sophomore Zack Stewart, and that depends on his arm strength holding up from previous injuries. He’s a real good pitcher when he’s healthy. We just have to do a good job of limiting his pitch counts, and keeping his arm healthy.
Adam Wagner traces down a pop fly in center.
Who are your big match-ups or rivals? Nokomis and Staunton could give us a run for our money in the conference race, but we should be able to out duel both of them. Southwestern is also always a good team. Hanslow is a great coach. His teams always compete, so that will be a fun matchup.
What is your outlook on your season? I have a very hopeful outlook this year. With it only being my second year coaching, I expect to be playing for the regional championship at the end of the year. If my returning players play to their capabilities and a few younger guys develop, we will surely make some noise. Many people and surrounding schools are overlooking us, which is what we like! I know we’ll be able to compete with anyone.
2011 Schedule
Print the 2011 GHS baseball schedule
Date/Opponent/Location/Time
3-15 Greenville Away 4:30
3-16 Jerseyville Away 4:15
3-18 Morrsionville Home 4:15
3-22 Auburn Home 4:15
3-23 Mt. Olive Home 4:15
3-24 Pawnee Home 4:30
3-28 Buner Hill Home 4:15
3-29 Roxana Home 4:30
3-30 Nokomis Home 4:15
3-31 Litchfield Home 4:00
4-2 Staunton (JV/DH) Away 10:00
4-4 Raymond Away 4:15
4-6 North Mac Away 4:30
4-7 Carlnville Home 4:30
4-9 Litchfield (JV/DH) Away 10:00
4-11 EAWR Home 4:30
4-13 Dupo Away 4:15
4-16 Staunton (JV/DH) Away 10:00
4-18 Staunton Away 4:30
4-21 Metro East Home 4:30
4-23 North Green Away 10:00
4-26 Bunker Hill Away 4:15
4-27 Carlinville Away 4:30
4-28 EAWR Away 4:30
4-29 Carrollton Away 4:30
4-30 Pawnee Away 10:00
5-2 Calhoun Away 4:30
5-3 Marquette Away 4:30
5-6 Southwestern Home 4:30
5-7 Nokomis (JV/DH) Home 10:00
5-9 Staunton Home 4:30
5-11 Hillsboro Home 4:30
5-13 Civic Memorial Away 4:30