ball teams unify_ Team unity proved to be the strength of the Little Lion baseball team this year, despite the l(lte start into the season. New PIAA
i'eam experience ~ontrasts; unity is ~onstant
rules stated that March 4th was the first day all teams could start practicing. This date was three weeks later than the starting date of previous years. Regardless of this drawback, State College went on to win the first game 12·2 over Lebanon.
With the support of returning seniors like Todd Shellenberger, Steve Haffner, Doug Sweitzer, Mike O'Toole, Todd Irvin, Eric Softball - Front Row: T. Irvin, D. Deivert, L. Kidder, McKeever, J . Johns, S. Marshall , S. Wyland, M. Rick· ett, T . Franks, K . Williams , L. Kotary, K. Vanderbush. McClintic, Tim Smeal , Chris Franks, Scott K. Baumrucker, J . Moyer, P. Smith . Back Row: C. Sipple, and Todd Stoner, the Lion squad went on to complete an exciting season. Facing tough opponents such as Clearfield~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ and Bellefonte, the team relied on its great unity to be successful. In addition to unity, there were other important factors aiding the Lions. Todd Shellenberger explained, "Pitching and offensive consistency are the main factors to a successful season." All in all, the spirit of the 1985 baseball team was summarized by Tim Smeal as he commented, " Our team possesses an optimistic outlook and, with Coach Ken Barto's expert guidance and unfailing support, can conquer demanding situations." The 1985 softball team was inexperienced in comparison. Only three seniors played, and while Marsha Ricketts and Tammy Irvin were returning players, Dawn Deivert had missed the 1984 season because of an injury. In analyzing the team, Tammy Irvin said, "Basically, there's skill, and we can build on it with time and work." The of· fense seemed to be the team's greatest strength. On March 4th, daily after-school practices began, with Coach Barry Rossman and his special assistant, Mr. Lee Upcraft, who aid· ed in coaching, pitching, and catching skills. Games were held both on weekdays and Saturdays. The Conrad Weiser Touma· ment in Robesonia and the Iroquois Tournament in Erie were seen as difficult obstacles, as was the State College Touma· ment on May 18th. Coach Rossman 's main goal for the season was to reach states. For two years , State High had won second place, and Rossman hoped the 1985 team would do the same.
Baseball and Softball
Perfectly balanced, Kristen Vanderbu sh skill fully scoops up the softball in the infield d uring a p ractice game. With power and precision, Steve Haffner strains to send the ball to home plate.