By: Nathan Bloechl — nathanb@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, Iowa — Coming off their best season in school history, one that saw them win 33 games and finish 5th in the state, you’d think maybe expectations should be lowered for the NCC powerhouse Humboldt Wildcats.
After all, gone are long-time program pillars Avery Terwilliger, Beth Duffield and Taylor Gidel.
“They were a big part of the program [last year’s seniors] for the better part of four to five years” Humboldt head coach Doug Van Pelt said to KHBT sports. “When you have seniors like that that graduate and play a significant amount of time it’s a bit unusual.”
Those three girls helped guide the Wildcats to perhaps one of the best era’s of Humboldt Wildcat softball.
But it is what’s left after those girls that has everyone excited.
“[Avery, Beth and Taylor] paved the way for everyone else this year, it’s their time to step up and become those leaders these girls were” he explained.
Ushering in this era of Humboldt softball will be a new three-headed monster, one that includes breakout sophomore Mady Lange, top-of-the-order dynamo Carlie Thompson and the unhittable Ellie Jacobson.
“These three are going to a play a big role in our success this year and carry the torch” Van Pelt mentioned of Lange, Thompson and Jacobson.
While of course the three mentioned above will play a big role, Van Pelt sees potential contributions all over the diamond from fresh faces.
“We have eleven or twelve returning letter-winners that were members of the state team, ever year every team has to replace seniors. We’ve got a bunch of kids ready to step into different roles.”
Perhaps he sees large improvements from last year’s 8th-grader Jori Hajek, or sophomore Claire Varangkounh. Senior Rachel Darling hit .304 with three runs driven in limited at-bat’s.
“The more pressure you put on object, the more likely they are to break” remarked Van Pelt.
The Wildcats graduated more than 100 stolen bags last year and Van Pelt says that this year’s unit probably won’t be close to the 182 bag stolen last year.
Humboldt will once again be the favorites in a very good North Central Conference, with Algona and Webster City being nemesis’ number one and two.
Humboldt finished last season ranked #4 in the state in 3A behind Davenport Assumption, B-H/RV and Sioux Center.
Nostradamus Nathan’s Projected Starting Line-Up:
1. CF — Carlie Thompson
2. SS — Jori Hajek
3. C — Mady Lange
4. P — Ellie Jacobson
5. LF — Rachel Darling
6. RF — Ashlyn Clark
7. 3B — Kendal Clark
8. 1B — Kyah Arnold
9. 2B — Claire Varangkounh