Teams still looking to fill rosters
Posted on Sunday, August 17, 2008
ROGERS— As he walked the halls of Rogers Heritage High School last week, golf coach Jay Gilstrap noticed a student walking with her mother as they toured the school.
With nothing to lose except for some pride points, he began his pitch to sell his sport. The conversation follows this path: “ Do you play golf ? ” Gilstrap asks the student. “ A little. Why ? ” the student responds. “ Do you want to be on the golf team ? ” Gilstrap said. “ I’m not that good. I’m only a beginner, ” the student said. “ That’s fine. I’ll teach you the game, ” Gilstrap said. Gilstrap is looking for anyone with the slightest interest to be a part of the girl’s golf team. Well, it is not really a “ team” yet because there are not any players on it.
Gilstrap is not the only Heritage that is trying get athletes. Without a senior class, the boys tennis and girls volleyball team also need more athletes to add depth to their rosters.
Boys tennis coach Matt Fulton is busy looking for anyone with the slightest interest in his sport. Fulton has four boys on his roster and six are required for competition. Fulton’s goal is to have at least eight. Heritage’s first match is a week from Tuesday.
“ If they are interested then I am going to help them pursue the opportunity to play tennis for Heritage, ” Fulton said. “ We are looking for anyone willing to put a racket in their hand. ”
Fulton is confident he can bring a raise a person’s skill level in a couple of weeks of practice.
“ I can turn anybody into a solid tennis player if they are willing to learn, ” Fulton said.
In the gym, the varsity volleyball team has just eight players and head coach Sarah Miser said that she is hopeful that she can add a few more players next week.
With school starting Monday, Fulton, Gilstrap and Miser will certainly have an easier time getting students’ attention through flyers and morning announcements.
— Paul Gatling contributed
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
