Senior lefty to lead Tribe’s title defense



Colton Schuchart hurls a pitch home during Jourdanton’s scrimmage with Santa Gertrudis Academy on Feb. 6. JOE DAVID CORDOVA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS

Colton Schuchart hurls a pitch home during Jourdanton’s scrimmage with Santa Gertrudis Academy on Feb. 6. JOE DAVID CORDOVA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS

In Jourdanton’s last full season on the baseball diamond, they won the district championship.

After the coronavirus shut down their 2020 title defense season, the Indians are looking to defend that title once again.

To do that, Jourdanton will rely on 10 returners to carry them back to a championship. They’re just excited to be back on the field.

“We’re just very fortunate and blessed to be able to do this right now,” second-year Head Coach John Conway said. “We really missed those guys last year. It’s unfortunate that we didn’t get to finish the year for [the seniors]. But, we’re trying to build off the foundation they made for our program and the young kids know about that. We’re just trying to pick up where we left off.”

Heading up Jourdanton’s list of returners are a pair of seniors in Brett Berg and Colton Schuchart. The two were named district co-MVPs during Jourdanton’s 2019 run to a district championship.

Schuchart, a left-handed pitcher, will once again be Jourdanton’s ace on the mound. The southpaw hurled a pair of no-hitters during that 2019 campaign and saw limited action in 2020 before the season was canceled.

Brett Berg pitches in Jourdanton’s scrimmage with SGA on Feb. 6. JOE DAVID CORDOVA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS

Brett Berg pitches in Jourdanton’s scrimmage with SGA on Feb. 6. JOE DAVID CORDOVA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS

Hoping to find a home at the collegiate level, Schuchart wants to help carry the team back to the top.

“After the season got cut short last year, it’s awesome to be back out here,” Schuchart said. “It’s a feeling like no other. I’m grateful to be out here playing baseball again.

During the offseason, Schuchart was able to hone his craft. He added more velocity to his pitches heading into his senior season.

“Every year, I try to get a little bit better,” Schuchart said. “I feel I picked up my velocity a bit, so as long as I stay in control and hit my spots, I’ll be successful.”

Schuchart said he, “couldn’t do it” without Berg and Tate Yow behind the plate as catchers. His battery mates will likely play a big role in Jourdanton’s success. Berg will also be a staple in Jourdanton’s pitching rotation.

“[Colton] is one of the leaders of this team, obviously,” Conway said. “Hopefully he and Brett can be that one-two punch we need to have a successful season in a tough district.”

Jourdanton will open the season at Falfurrias on Feb. 22.

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