Already in the midst of a tumultuous season, Elderton`s baseball team dealt with another turn of events when Ed Gray, the Bobcats` second-year coach, unexpectedly resigned last week.
But John Rupert made sure the team (0-6, 0-5 in Section 4-A), regardless of its struggles, had the chance to complete its schedule.
Rupert, 23, a first-year assistant, became the new head coach April 11, replacing Gray, who, according to athletic director Ray Blystone, stepped down after three games for personal reasons.
'I just had to step up and take leadership of the team, try to turn them in the right direction,' said Rupert, a 2006 Elderton graduate and former Bobcats outfielder. 'These guys, they have the drive and the heart to play. ⢠We`ve just got to work on some fundamentals and get them playing the game of baseball the way they need to.'
Blystone did not go into details about the departure of Gray, who did not return calls seeking comment.
'There is not much to be said about it,' Blystone said. 'We were lucky to have Coach Rupert step up and assume the head coaching responsibilities so that our baseball season could continue.'
Elderton has not won a game since the 2008 season — the team did not exist in 2010, when the high school was closed. A majority of the losses were by mercy rule.
But the Bobcats believe that streak will end soon, and their sense of urgency is heightened by the possibility that Elderton will again close after this school year.
'They`ve gathered together better as a team than I expected,' Rupert said. 'With the talk of closing the school and the coaching changes, I`d expect some kids to quit. ... But these kids get together as a team and they want to play more than I can even be here.'
Rupert`s ascension and the addition of assistant Brandon Newill — Kittanning`s wrestling coach — might improve Elderton`s discipline, junior catcher and vocal leader Tyler Wofford said.
'That`s what we need, plain and simple,' Wofford said. 'We need discipline on this team, or else, they`ll take advantage of it. And we can`t afford to take advantage of it and waste time because our school, we don`t know what`s going to happen with it.'
There`s no easy solution for Elderton, Rupert acknowledged. The Bobcats are short on experienced players, and a busy schedule leaves them limited opportunities to improve their most glaring weaknesses.
'They just need reps and reps,' Rupert said. 'It`s been a rough season. I`m just happy we`re playing each game and not having to forfeit.'
