SPRING SPORTS: Wildcats hungry to return to the diamond

After a frustratingly short first season at the helm, Enterprise coach Matt Whitton said his Wildcats are more than ready to get back on the field.

Whitton said that despite last season being cut short, he feels like this season’s team is ahead of where they were last year.

“Practices have been good. I think we’ve been able to do a little more than we’ve ever done (in the offseason) with some of the new offseason rules,” Whitton said. “A lot of our stuff is already implemented and kids know it. I think we’re ahead of the game not having to teach things at practice and were able to gain some ground that way.

“It’s been exciting to get everybody back and on the field. We’re excited to see where this group goes.”

Enterprise returns a slew of veteran players include three of five seniors that have already signed or committed to college teams. Parker Sessions signed with Central Alabama Community College and Trey Cavanaugh signed with Southern Union, while Logan Flemming has committed to Enterprise State Community College.

Whitton also pointed to fellow seniors Cole Hooper and Lane Danford along with underclassmen like Payton Easterling, Noah Loy, Jack Williams and New Brockton transfer CJ Wilkerson.

“You’ll see Trey Cavanaugh and Logan Flemming on the mound a bunch. We also have a couple of returners like Payton Easterling, Parker Sessions, Noah Loy and Jack Williams in the infield,” Whitton said. “There are several guys that will be key factors in how successful we can be. Those guys have done a good job in the fall in stepping up to be leaders and help take our guys where we want to go.

“We also have a bunch of guys that can contribute at the plate. Parker Sessions will be at the top of the lineup and we have a bunch of other guys that will factor in. Getting CJ Wilkerson back will be key for us, too, as far as a guy that can hit at multiple spots and can play multiple positions.”

Whitton also said he’s excited about the speed the Wildcats boast this season.

“The thing I like about this group is we have a bunch of guys that can really run,” he said. “So, what I think you’ll see is a different style of play than we’ve had in the past. Our goal is to take an extra 90 feet every time someone gives it to us and see if we can get some extra runs.”

The coaching staff will feature some new faces this season as former New Brockton head coach Will Hulsey and longtime ESCC coach – and Alabama Baseball Coaches Hall of Famer – Tim Hulsey have joined the staff.

Will Hulsey doesn’t just bring head coaching experience but also brings college playing and coaching experience, as well. He has coached at New Brockton High School, Elba High School, Middle Tennessee State, West Alabama and ESCC. He also played at ESCC and Middle Tennessee State.

“I don’t think you can put words to it on how big it is for the program,” Whitton said of hiring the two Hulseys. “Having him as far as a player development standpoint is huge. He gives us another guy on our staff with head coaching experience, which really helps us with experience.

“There could be times where maybe he has handled things that maybe I haven’t dealt with before or vice versa and we can help each other. Our main goal is to help our kids advance to the next level if that’s what they wan to do and (Will) brings a wealth of knowledge in that area having coached at college at three different levels. He has connections all over the Southeast. When you look at the amount of connections we have as a staff it is very beneficial to our players.”

Tim Hulsey was an assistant coach at New Brockton under his son before coming to Enterprise. Whitton also played for Tim Hulsey at ESCC and also coached under him there, too. He said that it’s been strange being the guy giving the orders on the field in their relationship but said that the 40-year coaching legend brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his team.

“Getting (Tim Hulsey) was huge and we have four coaches on our staff that have played for him (at ESCC),” Whitton said. “It’s different for us – especially me – because I’ve been used to taking orders from him my whole life and now I say, ‘I need you to do this or that’ to him.

“He’s awesome and loves pouring his knowledge into our kids. That has been a transition getting him. One of my big keys was trying to speed up our player development. Every time our guys move up another level there are things they need to be able to do and things they need to know. I couldn’t think of a better guy to bring to help our player development than him. He’s in the Hall of Fame for a reason and more so than that, he’s a guy that is going to give (the players) everything he’s got and he’s going to teach them to be better teammates, help them create a bond with their team and be better young men when they leave us, which I think is invaluable.”

Whitton said that one of the focuses of his team heading into the season will be getting more consistent offensively and adding more depth on the pitching mound.

“We’re going to rely on some guys that haven’t pitched in awhile but they’re guys we can trust,” Whitton said. “We’re really going to try to hammer in our offensive philosophy over the next few weeks and if we can be more consistent offensively and pitch better down the line outside of our top three or four guys, that will be beneficial for us.”

The Wildcats hope to be playing in their new on-campus baseball field this season but Whitton said that isn’t something they’re thinking about too much.

“I think maybe there is a chance we can get out there in the middle of March and if we can then that’s great,” Whitton said. “We have a worldwide pandemic and holidays and weather and a bunch of variables that can speed things up or delay the process.

“I tell our kids all the time that we control what we can control and (the field) is something we have zero control over. I hate it for our seniors if it doesn’t get completed in time but there is nothing we can do about it other than watch and hope it gets done.”

Enterprise will jump start the season on Feb. 13 for a doubleheader on the road against Saraland and Mobile Christian. Enterprise’s first home game won’t be until March 2 against Geneva.