Head coach for the Mustangs Randy Gabriel told the Forum over the weekend that the high school baseball team, made up of Norwood and Nucla guys, had played a total of three games.
“Monticello first, and that kid that throws really well shut us down,” Gabriel said. “Rangely, we scored a ton of runs, but we gave them a bunch of runs.”
So far the Mustangs are 1-2, and went into the season ranked No. 5, based on last year’s stats. With no games last weekend, the guys were set to face Dolores on March 31.
Gabriel said Norwood’s high school travel club went to Ireland for spring break. In this way, the team is missing several players, all of whom are starters. Coach said their trip is a good opportunity for them, but he is grateful the guys will be back for the game against Cedaredge.
“We have great expectations, but have not been altogether yet,” he said. “It’s been hard.”
It’s true that basketball had just ended when the guys had to get onto the field. Gabriel said when kids aren’t throwing in the off-season, it takes time to get them ready. They won’t be at the top of their game with pitching for a few weeks, and Gabriel said they need to plan to win districts.
“It all revolves around pitching, hitting and fielding, all three areas,” he said. “Pitching and defense have to get better."
In the future, the Colorado High School Activities Association will do away with districts. Gabriel said they’ll go to a 16-team straight format for the playoffs, based on MaxPreps.
Brycen Rummel will throw a lot this year, Gabriel said, though he’s only really had two days of practice and coach only had him come in as relief against Rangely. Also pitching are Jackson Dinsmore, Jackson McCabe and Jace Bonacquista. Coach said they’ll get there though.
Yes, he’s missing assistant coach Ben Kirk this year, who relocated.
“I’m lost without him,” Gabriel said. “And he misses us and the kids big time, but we wish him a good life, but it would also be way cool if they came back.”
Still, Mike Redd is assisting, and Gabriel is grateful.
Seniors are Brycen Rummel, Truman Tooker, Dominick Pyles and Owen Tackett. Coulter Shumway also graduates, but is injured, though he still attends practices, when not finishing his firefighting training. Gabriel said the team is young, which is good.
“It’s a chance for other kids to step up and see what they can do,” he said. “We will see what happens.”
The baseball season runs through May, and coach said districts, for the last time, will happen at the first of May. He said the Mustangs really need to beat Sierre Grande, Laveta and Dove Creek. He’s focused on San Juan Basin League play too, against Dolores and Ignacio.
Gabriel is thankful for all of the support, the fans and the parents who bring things. He said the Rummel family does well with the concessions and also has fed the kids. Sean Gibson’s mother makes team snacks for everyone.
The stats girls too are invaluable, and coach was a bit panicked over the weekend that all four of them — Darcy Bray, Maria Camacho, Maggie Andrews and Lacie Larsen — were missing Tuesday’s game.
Additionally, he appreciates Brandie McCabe and her photographs.
A full schedule is online at West End Public School District’s athletic calendar link.
“We are hopeful,” he said. “We always start slow; it’s the nature of what it is. We take kids from basketball, and then three practices — or four … Rome wasn’t built in a day. We are keeping their chins up, telling them good times are ahead.”
