2012 Spring Preview: Thunderbolts look for team chemistry in 2012

South Washington County adapted softball coach Dennis Larson begins his 15th season with the Thunderbolts, returning a small group of veteran leaders from last year’s 5-6 team along with many newcomers.

“We have almost 30-some children in our program, and quite a few new ones, which is good,” Larson said.

Senior Caleb Gotz will be a leader this season, bringing experience, athleticism and, “a real talent for leadership,” Larson said. Sophomore Amanda Henderson is expected to contribute as a pitcher.

“She is learning how to be a leader on the field and off the field,” Larson said of Henderson. “She’s a very wise young lady.”

Freshman Tristan Rankin will be at short stop, while junior Alice Liu and freshman Lucas Fiedler are expected to positively contribute to the team in 2012 as well.

“[Fiedler] is really trying to compete with the upper classmen and the ninth-graders, and it’s a big step – sometimes it’s difficult for these younger players,” Larson said.

Sophomore John Stutelberg has experience at catcher and in the outfield, and will be a good hitter, Larson said.

The team’s goals include, among others, to build team chemistry and to teach new players the ins-and-outs of the game. There is a junior varsity team, which helps teach new athletes game rules as well, Larson said.

The Thunderbolts’ will not have their first game until April 23, which will be on the road against the South Suburban Jets in Bloomington. All home games, however, will be played at East Ridge High School, including a game on April 25 against New Prague/Montgomery-Lonsdale and an April 30 matchup against the Dakota United Hawks.

Tags: 2012 spring preview, sports, prep, updates