Sublette Soars Back to State (Video Interview Included)

Last year, the Sublette Larks advanced to the state baseball tournament for the first time in school history. Seven of the nine starters on the 2010 team which finished 16-6 were seniors. So this year’s run to state may be just as satisfying or even more so for the Larks who return just two starters from that team. After an 8-5 win last week in Moscow over Syracuse, Sublette makes back to back appearances at the 2A State Baseball Tournament in Emporia. Third year head coach Ryan Hafen has led the Larks to seasons of 11-11, 16-6, and 16-7. Senior Travis Leverett is a pitcher, catcher, and infielder who is the backbone of this team. Leverett, who plays summer ball for the Liberal Bulldogs pitched a complete game in the district title game against Syracuse. Senior Joseph Lower pitched Sublette to the regional semifinal win 7-5 over Elkhart. He also slammed to homers in the regional final against Syracuse. Lower has a .660 batting averaged with six homers. Junior shortstop and lead off hitter Alex White has six homers.

The Larks play on a small field with an all dirt infield on the Haskell County Fairgrounds. Tuesday and Wednesday, the Larks practice at the Liberal Baseball Complex to be prepared for the comparable dimensions of Soden’s Grove in Emporia. The Larks play 20-3 Salina Sacred Heard at 1:30 Friday in Emporia. Interviews with head coach Ryan Hafen and several Larks will be guests during the Sportsguys Wednesday morning between 7:37 and 9 on Talkradio 1270 and kscbnews.net.