Banner Staff set down with the seniors of the baseball team to discuss how long they’ve played, their favorite memory, and where they are continuing to play.
#24 Everett Bird – Everett Bird has been playing baseball for 15 years. He is a pitcher and shortstop for the Bears, but occasionally plays third and center field when needed too. Everett’s favorite memory with the team was when the Bears played in a tournament down in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The team was able to grow an even stronger bond while hanging out every day for a week straight. Everett is continuing his baseball career at Mclennan Community College.
#18 Timothy Caulder – Timothy Caulder has been playing baseball for his whole life. He is a left fielder and is also a catcher for the Bears. Timothy’s favorite memory with the Bears is being able to be around the team and hang out with the team. Because “we are not only just friends, but we are a family and a brotherhood”.
#10 Derrick Jones – Derrick Jones has been playing baseball for 14 years. He plays right field for the Bears. Derrick’s favorite memory about the team is when the Bears went to Siloam Springs, 2 years ago. While up in Siloam Springs the team went to watch a Minor League Baseball game and had fun around the stadium. Derrick Jones will be attending ASU Three Rivers to continue his baseball career into college.
#22 Luis Gabriel IV. – Luis Gabriel IV. has been playing baseball for 15 years. He plays first base and pitches for the Bears. Luis’s favorite memory about the team is when the Bears made the trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama last year to play in a tournament. Luis Gabriel is attending SAU Tech to continue his baseball into college.
#17 Andrew Presson – Andrew Presson has been playing ball for 13 years. He is the starting catcher for the Bears and he can also pitch if the Bears ever needed him too. Andrew’s favorite memory with the Bears is when they went to Branson his sophmore year. The team held a Mini Golf tournament at the course that was next door to the hotel. Andrew is continuing his baseball career at North Arkansas College.
#7 Matthew West – Matthew West has been playing baseball for 15 years. He plays right field and pitches for the Bears. Matthew has recently been getting work in center field during the games and had a great catch at the wall Tuesday night against the Maumelle Hornets, taking away a couple runs. Matthew’s favorite memory about the team was the beach trip. He really liked “getting a tan at the beach, mostly for the ladies”.
#4 Payton Zielstra – Payton Zielstra has been playing ball for 14 years. He is a left fielder and a pitcher for the Bears, but he can play catcher for the Bears whenever they need him too. Payton’s favorite memory with the Bears was the Alabama trip last season. The bonding time and the amount of fun that was held at the beach condo was very much needed for the Bears last year. Payton is attending North Arkansas College to continue his baseball career.
#44 Ethan Startz – Ethan Startz has been playing baseball for 14 years. He is a catcher and has been practicing in right field during practices. Ethan’s favorite memory about the team, “being able to spend time with my teammates in hotel rooms and traveling, it’s always a fun time”.
#26 Eli Steele – Eli Steele has been playing baseball for 12 years. He is a second baseman but believes he could aslo be a pitcher for the Bears if they ever needed him. Eli’s favorite memory about the Bears was “definitely the beach trip”, it brought the team together while throwing the Bears through challenges and brought them closer as a team.
#00 Jayden Sloan – Jayden Sloan has been playing baseball for 14 years. He is a center fielder and a pitcher for the Bears. Jayden’s favorite memory of the team is when they made the trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama. Jayden will be continuing his baseball career at the University of Central Arkansas.
#12 Brady Cagle – Brady Cagle has been playing ball for 14 years. He is a first baseman for the Bears and he brings all the energy to the team. Brady’s favorite memory with the team is “definitely the beach trip and staying in the same house with the guys for a week.
#29 Hunter Morgan – Hunter Morgan has been playing baseball for 15 years. He is a third baseman for the Bears. Hunter’s favorite memory with the team is when the Bears made the trip to Siloam Springs for a game 2 years ago. The senior class of 2023 was Hunter’s favorite class because he had a great bond and friendship with all the seniors of that class.
