Post 109 opens practice with optimism and old faces

Brock White pitches batting practice during a recent Post 109 tryout session. For Post 109, last season was one that teams dream of but few realize.

Post 109 advanced to the state tournament in Greenwood.

The road back there began this week with team tryouts.

About 20 players have participated in the first week of drills, Post 109 coach Jeff Osment said. That number will increase with the arrival of several college players, including former Gaffney High star Bobby Wilkins.

"I think with the number of returners, we should be all right," Osment said. "We've had a good turnout. Hopefully, there will be more coming."

Gaffney High players Justin Sarratt, Stephen Kaemmerlen and Jordan Propst joined former Indians Preston Byars, Brock White and Davie Smoak at this week's tryouts.

Matthew Painter, Treven Taber, Drew Gregg and Justin Garrett are players with Chesnee ties who are vying for spots on the roster.

Returning players from Broome High include John Lewis Floyd and Dusty Mabry. There are also several newcomers from Broome who are trying to make the team,

including Justin Phillips, Aaron Epps, Josh Biershank and Brian Parsons.

Second baseman Travis Adair, who is playing for South Carolina, is a former Centurion who won't be playing this season after using up his eligibility.

"We have to find somebody to replace Travis's bat in the lineup," Osment said. "He was good for a couple of hits a game. He's going to be hard to replace."

But Osment is encouraged since most of his pitching staff returns intact.

"We will continue to practice and hopefully things will come together," Osment said.