Brand-new season, brand-new uniforms and a brand-new outlook.
Sporting a new look and new expectations, 10 Central Saanich Extreme Fastball teams kick off 2012 with an eye on putting a disappointing statistical campaign behind them – and battle for a position to compete in the provincials.
“I think we will be pretty good, I am excited, it is good this year because it is all the same age group [and] friends on and off the field,” said pitcher and shortstop Victoria Renning. “Our goals are to win games.”
The 13-year-old Bayside middle school student understands the goal is always to have fun, but after a poor record stole her chance to compete last July, she hopes for a lot more winning this year as the team pitches, slides and hits their way through another season.
After reaching provincials two years ago, falling short in 2011 was a bitter pill and Renning hopes to help propel the team back into the provincials in Ridge Meadows by securing a top-two seed in the districts.
“We need to be focused and make the good plays. The team aspect is pretty important,” she said. “Everyone needs to be together and work together.”
She’s coached by her father Josh who helms the team for the seventh year. The elder Renning is excited for players in a season he hopes will be the team’s best yet.
“It is pretty exciting for the girls,” Renning said of a chance at provincials. “That has been our goal from the start of the season.”
Coaching the team since Victoria picked up a bat as a six year old, he plans on coaching as long as his daughter enjoys her time on the pitch.
“I love working with the girls, helping them achieve their goals, mentoring them,” he said. My goal for the team this year is that they have fun and they come back again next year.”
For Victoria, next year is now.
“Our goals are to win games and make it through districts to get to the provincials,” she said. “And doing it with people you enjoy playing with and doing it as a team.”