Bisons Hope for Better Season The baseball team's high expectations faded as they finished the season with a 13-24 overall record and a 9-15 record in the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference. Their record put them in last place in the AIC, their lowest finish in five years. "It was a disappointing season because we did so well last year - finishing second and almost winning the District Tournament. We all had high expectations about this year; we just didn't play consistent baseball," said junior pitcher John Bossong. There were bright spots on the team, though, through good individual performances by second baseman Brandon Harrell and center fielder Chris Byrd. Harrell was named Co-MVP with his 2 for 2 performance in the AIC All-Star Game in Little Rock and also led the Harding team with a 0.333 batting average. "I wish we would have had a better season. I know we had a better team than our record indicated. I was very happy to be named Co-MVP in the All-Star game; that was a fun experience," said Harrell. Byrd received honorable mention honors as an outfielder in the AIC. Byrd also had a good year at the plate for the Bisons batting 0.310 on the year. "We didn't have a good season, but I think we learned a lot. Hopefully we'll learn from our mistakes and turn things around next year," said Byrd. The Bisons graduated five prime players last May, but will return next year with six seniors starting. Harrell, Byrd, Larry Cheshier, Roert Cooper and Pat McGaha will lead the offensive attack next year for the Bisons. by John Bossong Front row: Andy Kinser, Lee Hagood, Joe Cooper, Joey Adams, Gabe Moore, Trevor Black, Craig Laird, David Kirkbride , Jeff Phillips, Clint Davis, Shane Fullerton, Brandon Harrell. Second row: Scott Rose, Chris Byrd , Wade Darnell, Steven Nutt, Archie Shelton, Derrick Harrell, John McAfee, John Kodatt, John Bossong, Robert Cooper, Mike Martin. Third row: Coach Steve Smith, Coach Randy Hindman, Tom Hull, Randall Hunter, Bart Jones, Larry Cheshier, Pat McGaha, Lance Boyd, Coach Barry Jones, Coach Scott Valentine. 188 Rival Impressions
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