If experience and senior leadership translates to wins, the Montezuma-Cortez High School baseball team could be primed for a breakout season.
Leading the Panthers this year Travis Greenlee, a longtime resident who has played coach coached several little league teams in the area. An assistant coach at the high school last season, Greenlee is hopeful that his regimented, team-first style will pay off.
“We’re working on character, discipline and doing the little things right,” said Greenlee. “Our philosophy is that we’re going to be the hardest working team in the state. We set that goal and we’re going to work towards that.”
While Greenlee declined to mention names of players that he expects to contribute this year, a glance at the Panthers roster reveals clues as to those who could play key role on this year’s team.
Among the team’s top returning players will be senior first baseman Bridger Brenner, who batted .308 last season and led the team with 20 hits and 18 RBIs.
Also figuring to play a key role for the Panthers will be senior third baseman/pitcher Konnar McGee, who batted .373 last season and drove in 19 runs.
Other players likely to crack the starting lineup this season include senior center fielder Randy Haley, senior infielder Dayne Black, junior second-baseman Kevin Morales and senior outfielder Taryn Lanier.
Players who could pitch for the Panthers include McGee, Black, senior Ian Roberson and junior Andrew Laymon, who led last year’s team with a 5.09 ERA.
“We’re going to be in good shape,” Greenlee said, when asked about his team’s lineup. “Right now, we’re still indoors and everybody is working and battling to see what role they are going to fill. Everybody is going to contribute.”
As for goals for this year’s group, Greenlee said that he hopes that M-CHS can improve on last season’s 5-13-1 record and qualify for the postseason.
“Our goal is to be playing in May,” said the first-year manager.
The Panthers will open their season on the road against Hotchkiss on March 6 before traveling to play Frederick on March 7.
M-CHS’s first home game will be against Pagosa Springs on March 24 and the Panthers first Southwest League game will be on the road against Grand Junction Central on April 3.