By Ryan Massad, Contributing Writer
From day one, Head Coach Tim Reinhardt set high standards for his Hawks, making a District Championship repeat the team's main goal. Though they weren's able to accomplish that, the team was able to make the postseason once again, which is still a notable achievement.
“Both the players and coaches, thought the team had a good chance to repeat as district champs,” Reinhardt said. “In that regard, I think we all hoped that we could do more, but on the other hand, the players grew a lot. Both as a team, and individually. It was exciting to watch players progress over the course of the season.”
The players that Coach Reinhardt was referring to in particular include captains, and twin brothers, Jake and Ryan Wardwell. Both brothers batted well over .300 for the season, and were anchors of the Hudson lineup. Contributors from the mound included Pat Cadden, Dan King and Austin Bruneau.
A key game in the Hawks” season was their walk-off win against Nashoba Regional High School. It was a hard-fought battle against the best pitcher in the conference, Charlie Butler. Butler struck out 13 Hawks, but between the stellar defense, and a few timely hits, Hudson came out victorious, qualifying for post-season play in the process.
Despite leaving it all on the field, the Hawks fell just short of their ultimate goal, losing to Oakmont 5 – 3 in the playoffs.
“After the final loss, I told them I was sorry that we were unable to make it further into the postseason,” Reinhardt said, “but that it shouldn’t take away from the great season we had. There were lots of great memories, especially for the seniors, and they should remember the season as a success.”
As for the future, Coach Reinhardt intends to set the same high goals for his squad.
“We have several contributors coming back next year, and I feel confident we'sl be able to compete at a high level once again.”
