New coach says Bulldogs have 'high expectations'

By Staff
Mike Self FCT Sports Editor
A first-year head coach and several new players have given the Belgreen baseball program a different look–and a different set of expectations to boot.
Ergle graduated in 1999 from Russellville High School, where he played third base and pitched. He spent one season two years ago as a voluntary assistant for the Golden Tigers.
This is his first head coaching position.
Ergle inherits a team full of seniors, some of whom are playing baseball for the Bulldogs for the first time.
One of those newcomers, 6-foot-4 right-hander Avis Smith, is expected to join fellow seniors Nathan Hamilton and Jonathan Snipes, as well as freshman Justin Gardner, in Belgreen's pitching rotation.
Junior Colby Barnett returns behind the plate to handle the pitching staff, and Matt Montgomery will also see time at catcher.
Smith will play first base when he's not on the mound, and Cory Rumble and Kalan McNatt will also see time at first.
Snipes and fellow senior Tyler Noonan give the Bulldogs an experienced double-play combination, with sophomore Marty Britton playing shortstop when Snipes is on the mound.
Gardner and fellow freshman Brent Newell will hold down the hot corner.
Hamilton returns in center to lead a senior-laden outfield that features Kelsey Motes and Will Richardson in left and Chris Hargett and Andrew Cansler in right. Freshmen Kyle Warren and Jessie Edwards will also see time in the outfield.
Belgreen opens its season on Monday with an area game at Red Bay.