Purdy baseball wins SWCL title, building toward future

BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com

The Purdy baseball team is itching to get back to district dominance.

Finishing this season at 17-11, the Eagles won the SouthWest Central League title, but fell short of districts aspirations following a 9-8 loss to New Heights Christian Academy in the Class 2, District 12 semifinals.

“We had a very successful season when it came to win totals, and winning the conference championship,” said Joshua Hughes, Purdy baseball coach. “We were a little short on our goal of achieving a district title.”

Hughes said the team’s biggest improvement was the young Eagles learning how to compete and battle back.

“We were in a lot of close games, and win or lose, we battled and competed every out,” he said. “Offensively, we struggled most of the year, and that will be our biggest area of focus this offseason.”

The Eagles’ best stretch came from April 1 to April 22, going 8-2 over that period. The Eagles also won their home tournament in March, but not without some fireworks.

“Our 12 inning win against Hartville [in the Purdy Tournament champoinship] early in the season started to lay the foundation of how hard we competed and where we were at,” Hughes said.

Pushing the team over the course of the year were six seniors: Will Henderson, Teagan Manwarren, Manny Aldava, Erick Urbina, Sam Fritz and Tanner Holloway.

“The leadership on and off the field was a huge part of who we are and what we did,” Hughes said.

“This type of leadership isn’t taught. You are born with it. And these seniors were awesome leaders.”

With eight juniors, five sophomores and four freshmen moving up the ranks, Hughes said the goal for Purdy is to get back to district championship status, which has eluded the Eagles since back-to-back trophies in 2018 and 2019.

“We gained a lot of varsity experience with our young guys,” Hughes said. “They will be better prepared for what a winning season takes. We need to work harder this offseason to get to that level of a district title. It is hard to do, but very attainable with hard work.”

Hughes said increasing offensive production will be the key to any future postseason victories.

Hughes also thanked his staff and their families for efforts this season.

“I want to thank our coaching staff of Jake Bouchard, Trey Hughes and Ali Groomer for their dedication and support of our program and kids,” he said. “And, a special thank you goes to our wives and significant others that allow us to do this job we love.”

Eight total Eagles earned postseason honors for their efforts this season. First Team All-District honorees include: Damon Mahurin, pitcher; Easten Goetz, catcher; Will Henderson, infield; and Hunter Wormington, outfield. Second Team All-District winners include: Daniel Aldaba, infield, and Brennan Hawkins, outfield.

In the SouthWest Central League, Purdy won the regular season and tournament championships, and Hughes was named Coach of the Year. Player awards included, First Team: Mahurin, pitcher; Wormington, pitcher; Goetz, catcher; Henderson, infield; and Hawkins, outfield. Honorable mention: Teagan Manwarren, infield; Aldaba, infield; and Grady Mahurin, pitcher.