AHS baseball returns to defend championship

Contributed Auburn Villager James Ponder

A season capped off with a 6A state championship title is a tough act to follow. But luckily for head coach Matt Cimo, the majority of the Auburn High baseball players who accomplished that feat have returned.

"They know what it takes to win," Cimo said. "It's a relief for me because rather than teaching them new things, we can continue to do what we've been doing."

Seven Tigers from last year's nine-man lineup are back, as well as one of its top pitchers in Drew Eiland. Eight other players on this year's Auburn High squad have pitching experience. Cimo said he and the other coaches are in the process of deciding on a rotation.

"We haven't had this much good depth before," Cimo said. "We have a lot of confidence in every one of them. It's a nice problem to have."

The Tigers have three senior lefties in Eiland, Drew Sikes and Trey Gregg, who also plays first base. Junior Spencer Jones is new to this year's varsity team and is also expected to see time on the mound, perhaps as a starter.

A big part of Auburn's success, Cimo said, has to do with its weight training program organized by physical education teacher and AHS assistant football coach Gary Pegues. This is the second season Auburn High players have made it a part of their preseason conditioning.

"Kids get stronger and faster every year," Cimo said. "Pitchers are able to last longer, which has helped us a lot. That extra strength is important and has definitely made a difference."

With eight seniors, six juniors and one sophomore on this year's team, most of whom have played together in seasons past, chemistry is another factor that could potentially lead to more success.

"We have a very unselfish team," Cimo said. "There's no jealousy. They all want to see each other do well. If we can play well as a team, then we have a chance."

The Tigers will travel to LaGrange, Ga., this weekend for a two-day tournament. Opponents include Grissom, Newnan and LaGrange.

Next week Auburn will host Troup County on Monday at 4:30 p.m., Smiths Station on Tuesday at 4 p.m. and Tallassee on Thursday at 4 p.m.

The Tigers will host a tournament on March 20 before area play begins March 23 against Stanhope Elmore. Auburn's 6A Area 8 opponents also include Wetumpka and Benjamin Russell.

With so many sporting events going on in the spring at Auburn High, Cimo said that it's sometimes hard to fill the stands with supporters, especially students.

But if the team does well, the fans will come.

"We love the community's support," Cimo said. "We'll take all that we can get."

Cimo explained that although the players are capable of being successful this season, he hopes they don't feel pressured.

"I hope they can come out here, relax and have fun playing," he said.

"At the end of the day, that's what it's all about."