The 2017 Varsity Wildcats

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Lake Highlands High School is planning their first ever Alumni Game, and they’re looking for graduates of the Wildcat baseball program to show their stuff.

The game will be part of a “re-boot” of the entire program, which includes new coach Andy Parker, the first head coach who did not first serve as an assistant to LHHS legend Jay Higgins. The Alumni Classic was his brainchild as a way to connect current players to alums who have experienced success in baseball, business and the community. Parker will also host the traditional Intrasquad game, in which current varsity and JV players face each other.

A few alums are already shining up their cleats and oiling their gloves, preparing for the big game.

“This is going to be a lot of fun,” says Taylor Stell, a 2011 LHHS grad who played at the University of Texas and has been working with the team coaching off season fall ball for the last two years. “The LHHS baseball program has a rich tradition, and we want to make sure we tap into that. The LH community will want to attend because there is a new energy and enthusiasm about the program under the leadership of Coach Parker. We already have 55 alums planning on participating, and those numbers are a testament to Coach Parker. Everyone is ready to see this program get back to its winning tradition.”

Stell is organizing a weekend of festivities, including a Friday night Home Run Derby (“hit one out of the park or blow out your back trying”), Saturday games and barbecue lunch.

Alums Chris Miller and Darrell Hernandez are helping to organize, and both say they’re happy to see excitement rebuilding for the program. Chris’ son, Samuel, was a stalwart on the JV in 2017 and Darrell’s boy, Brady, became the varsity starting catcher during district play last season. Chris Klemme, father of team captain and former Advocate intern Kyle Klemme, is also working to plan the event.

The Wildcat Baseball Alumni Weekend will be held February 2-3 at The Cat, LHHS’ baseball field. The Home Run Derby will be Friday at 7, the Intrasquad Game is Saturday morning at 10, and the Alumni  Game is Saturday at 2.

“Trash-talking between graduation classes is encouraged,” says Stell.

Special guests will be retired LHHS Coach Jay Higgins, and Bob Johnston, The Voice of the Wildcats, will call the game.

Jerseys will be provided, and players are encouraged to wear baseball pants or warmups. Bats will be provided by LHHS baseball alum and founder of Warstic Bats Ben Jenkins.

Alums may take free batting practice at Next Level Sports, 9876 Chartwell. Admission to all Wildcat baseball games is free, but earnings from the barbecue and donations from the weekend will support the Wildcat baseball program. The 2018 Wildcat baseball schedule can be found here.

“This team has a lot of talent, and they have really put in the work on and off the field to represent this community proudly,” says Stell. Knowing this group of guys personally, I would not want anyone else wearing the LHHS jersey and representing our community every Tuesday and Friday night.”

If you’d like to sign up to play in the Alumni Game, email Taylor Stell at tstell@lee-associates.com.