Wells ISD introduces baseball, softball programs at junior high level

October 21, 2021
Wells Junior High Lady Pirates wind down after winning the inaugural game of the school’s new softball program. The Lady Pirates won their Oct. 8 double-header against Central Heights. 

Photo courtesy of Kacie Collins Wells Junior High Lady Pirates wind down after winning the inaugural game of the school’s new softball program. The Lady Pirates won their Oct. 8 double-header against Central Heights. Photo courtesy of Kacie Collins

WELLS – 2021 has been a year of innovation at Wells Junior High, which has introduced baseball and softball programs for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders.

“There are not many extracurricular activities for the children of Wells prior to high school, and as a school we are constantly working towards offering activities for younger students,” said WISD Superintendent Jill Gaston.

“That I am aware of, there has never been junior high softball and baseball for Wells ISD students. We hope that it continues to grow, and can give kids another activity to participate in annually,” she said. “The response has been nothing but positive – our kids are excited, our parents are supportive and we cannot wait to see the season play out!”

The Lady Pirates’ softball team had a pre-season opening game Oct. 8, with the 13-member team winning a double-header against Central Heights, said Kristel Johnson Hise, junior high principal.

In their opening game, Wells scored 10 points while Central Heights came up empty, with no points scored. Gracie Hise, pitcher for this game, had the first score, with a lead-off in the park home run. The second game was pitched by Braylie Herman, with the team winning 8-3 over Central Heights.

“They all did very well for their first time out,” said softball coach Coy Hise, who pitched the program to school officials when he took the job with Wells ISD this summer. “Coming from Central Heights, I knew they had the program there, but never here, and I knew I’d have an opportunity with my schedule to do it.”

“Everyone agreed that it was a great idea,” Gaston recalled. “Coach Hise and Coach Joe Tarrant (who oversees the new boys’ baseball program) helped us figure out the cost of starting a program, and we decided it was doable. They contacted a few other districts to make sure there would be teams to play and once the details were finalized, our board gave us the go-ahead.”

“We’re rocking and rolling right now,” Hise said.

The girls’ team next plays against Kennard in a home game on Oct. 20, while the boy’s baseball team makes its debut on Oct. 21 in a 4 p.m. game in Wells.

According to Coach Joe Tarrant, the boys’ team is comprised of 10 to 12 players, and “I think the fans are really excited about having junior high baseball.

“I think we look pretty good, my infield is solid but we could use some help in the outfield,” he said. “I still have not seen my whole team, and we will only have one day of practice before our first game.”

As fans’ excitement generates over the addition of the programs, so, too, does that of school officials.

“We are so excited to offer this to our kids,” Gaston said.

“We, as a school community, want nothing but the best for our kids – being small can limit what we are able to offer, but this is doable and is great for our kids. Our kids have a lot to learn, but one thing about Wells kids … they are resilient. They are anxious to learn, and excited about the opportunity,” she said.