Sports - May 2003

Bolick hits 400, keeps team in playoffs

Published May 9, 2003

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By JOHN MARK BROOKS, LTN Staff Writer

Bruce Bolick’s 400th win Thursday night against South Point was another baseball clinic. This clinic’s’ student was South Point, losing to East 9-2.

The Mustangs spoiled the Red Raiders’ senior night — jumping on them early. With runners on second and third, freshman Greyson Schram stroked a liner into center field scoring Mike Rue and Danny O’Brien. Alex Loftin then reached on an error that scored Schram.

In the top of the second a David Rue blast made the score 5-0.

“He throws a lot of fastballs so I was just sitting on it,” Rue said of his homer. The Mustangs added another run making the score 6-0.

In the top of the third it was a familiar lesson as the Mustangs added two more runs on a hard-hit liner to left by Schram.

Schram said that his repetitions in the batting cage helped him have a big night.

Mike Rue struggled with his control some in the third. However, he did a great job getting himself out of a jam, only allowing two South Point runs with the bases loaded the whole inning. He ended South Points’ threat by striking out Andrew Rinehardt to end the inning.

Rue, who tallied six strikeouts for the game, was taken out in the bottom of the fourth after loading the bases. Josh Hamby did a nice job in relief, though, as he retired the final two batters without allowing a run.

The Mustangs finished their clinic adding a run in the fifth.

In a losing effort Brooks Drennan for South Point rang up eleven strikeouts. Hamby though had an answer, striking out seven of his own.

Coach Bolick hit a career milestone picking up his 400th victory. Bolick doesn’t limit his clinics to just opponents — his assistant Keith Alexander has learned a lot as well.

“Every night with Coach Bolick has been a learning experience,” he said. “He’s taught me so many things about the game that you just don’t know.”

Alexander knows how much this victory meant to his team and his fellow coach.

“This is a big accomplishment for the kids because they were not picked to do this well. I couldn’t be prouder of them and couldn’t be more proud to be associated with Coach Bolick.”

Bolick, who is in his 33rd season, said that he enjoyed teaching the game.

“If you teach a kid to get better and to see him execute that in the game — to me that’s pleasing,” he said.

“Once I stop coaching I can reflect on this accomplishment, but right now I am just focusing on this season.”

Bolick said that this year is especially pleasing because it was unexpected.

“What I love most is coaching kids that love the game of baseball — to me that’s what it is all about,” he said.”

East Lincoln is in control of their own destiny: if they win Friday night, they will make the playoffs. Their record is 16-5 and 8-3 in conference play.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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