By Jason Lawrence
Special to the Citizen
Not far removed from the most successful era in North Platte softball history, Farrah Seckel has her work cut out for her in replacing veteran head coach Ron Resler.
“North Platte has a long tradition of winning in softball and we are looking forward to continuing that tradition,” Seckel said. “Senior leadership will be key, and we plan to develop young players for a solid foundation in the coming years.”
Coming off a 10-15 season, including a 2-5 mark in KCI Conference play, the senior class will be leaned on heavily to improve upon the Panthers’ Class 2 District 14 semifinal loss to Plattsburg.
Shortstop McKenzie Sams, catcher Jordyn Goetz and outfielder Janell ‘Itty’ Manville, who were part of the last playoff team in 2015, will be tasked with leading the squad and replacing the departed leadership core of third baseman Alley Rickel and outfielders McKenna Fulton and Gracie Roach, each multi-year starters with all-region, district and conference accolades on their resumes.
Shortstop McKenzie Sams returns this fall for the North Platte softball team.
Also returning is sophomore pitcher Ryann Smith, who hit .390 last season. A larger workload on the mound is to be expected in 2018 since her older sister, Jordyn, underwent shoulder surgery and will miss her junior campaign, though she is expected to return for her senior season in 2019.
Seckel, who is assisted by Ryan Davis, also expects immediate contributions from freshman Gracie Ramsey, who should be able to make an impact with her speed, as the Panthers look to return to the top of the conference standings.
“The KCI conference is very competitive,” Seckel said. “Several teams bring a lot back and will have returning pitchers. It’s an exciting time to be a part of girls’ softball, and we’re looking forward to competing.”
North Platte opens the season Saturday, Oct. 25 with its annual round robin tournament — one in which the Panthers took second in a season ago.