Sports Writer

Despite playing only five games this spring, the Pike Liberal Arts junior varsity baseball team

is already thinking about next year.

The Patriots finished 1-4 with their only win of the season coming against arch rival Dixie Academy. Among the

PLAS losses included two setbacks to Lee Scott Academy, and one loss each to Ashford Academy and South Montgomery County Academy.

Due to bad weather and many scheduling conflicts, Pike Liberal Arts head coach Butch Austin said the junior varsity team were forced to make do with a limited schedule in 2001.

"That about all we had time for because we have to schedule around the varsity and practice around their P.E. period," Austin said. "I coach both of them so I have to put emphasis on the varsity first."

Despite being frustrated about playing only five varsity games this spring, Austin said the players have handled the situation extremely well.

"They want to play more and most of the junior varsity games we play is on Saturdays," Austin said. "It’s frustrating for them having to play just five games. But they understand as long as they learn something in practice, then I’m happy. "

With only two ninth graders leaving for the varsity, the Patriots will return many starters on the junior varsity squad next year. In order to compete more consistently against the top AISA in the future, Austin said its important for the junior varsity team to start on a strength and conditioning program early.

"We played a lot of teams that were bigger and stronger, so we have to do the same thing with the junior varsity," Austin said.

Austin said he credits assistant coach Roy Folmar for helping out with the individual and player development of the junior varsity team.

"He’s very good about fundamentals and he’s very easy going," Austin said. "The players always get along because they have respect for him."

As far as next year is concerned, Austin said he’s very optimistic about how the junior varsity players and how they will approach the game after one year in the program.

"We have a lot of talent and the players know the importance of the baseball program at PLAS," Austin said. "I hope some of them can move up to the varsity next year."