By Shaun Szkolnik, sports editor
TRUSSVILLE — The Hewitt-Trussville varsity baseball program had a full evening on Wednesday, April 17. First, they honored the graduating seniors ballplayers, next they honored graduating diamond dolls, and lastly, they defeated Moutain Brook 8-1, clinching the area championship.
Jared Waites was the winning pitcher for the Huskies, putting up eight strikeouts. Keith Lanum had two RBIs; Tyler Mauldin had two RBIs and a triple, while Zach Defnall had a double and a triple in the game. Throw in several exciting double plays, and you’ve got a very fine ballgame.
Before the game, seven graduating seniors were recognized for their years of excellence. Parents of the seniors also took place in the ceremony by escorting their sons from the dugout to Homeplate, where the mothers and fathers were given flowers and a framed picture of their child.
These seniors have gone to the post season three times and the state championships twice, winning one and coming away second in the state at the other.
The graduating seniors honored were:
#4 Jacob Bishop. Bishop was escorted by Scott and Becky Bishop. He plans to attend the University of Alabama where he will major in civil engineering.
#6 Julian Sauger. Sauger was escorted by Irene Sauger. He plans to attend Snead State on a baseball scholarship and major in physical education.
#7 Greg Waid. Waid was escorted by Scott and Trina Waid. He plans to attend Southern Union where he will major in Industrial Electricity.
#8 Creed Parker. Parker was escorted by Mike and Jeannette Parker. He plans to attend The University of North Alabama on a football scholarship.
#18 Jared Waites. Waites was escorted by Lynn and Jayme Waites. He plans on attending UAB and majoring in business management.
#21 Zach Defnall. Defnall was escorted by Pat and Lori Defnall. He plans on attending Snead State where he will play baseball and major in psychology.
#22 Baylor Hancock. He was escorted by Tom and Pam Hancock. He plans on attending Lee University where he will major in nursing.
The Husky varsity baseball program also honored the senior Diamond Dolls. The Diamond Dolls are a group of dedicated volunteers working behind the scenes making sure that the games run smoothly. They collect tickets, work the concession stand and make sure you know the score by operating the board.
The graduating Diamond Dolls honored were:
Susan Bouler. She has been a Diamond Doll for three years and plans to attend Auburn and major in exercise science.
Hallie Breau. She has been a Diamond Doll for two years and plans to attend Auburn and major in nutrition.
Aliyah Ellis. She has been a Diamond Doll for four years. She is undecided about which school she wants to attend.
Cassidy Fischer. She has been a Diamond Doll for two years. She plans to attend Jeff State and major in finance.
Anna Kerns. She has been a Diamond Doll for one year. She plans to attend UAH and major in nursing.
Abby Manscill. She has been a Diamond Doll for three years. She plans to attend Jeff State and then the Highlands where she will major in pastoral leadership.
Miriam Stark. She has been a Diamond Doll for four years. She plans to attend Auburn and major in nutritional health and wellness.
Anna Katherine Summers. She has been a Diamond Doll for one year. She plans to attend The University of Alabama and major in nursing.
Sophia Surrett. She has been a Diamond Doll for three years. She plans on attending The University of Alabama and majoring in news and Media.
Taylor Tolbert. She has been a Diamond Doll for four years. She plans on attending The University of Alabama and majoring in business marketing.
Susan Voltz. Volts has been a Diamond Doll for three years. She plans on attending Auburn and majoring in chemical engineering.