Jackson seniors setting standard beyond 2023

The Jackson Indians have gotten off to a 6-2 start and the leadership of the 12 seniors on the roster has been prevalent.

The 12 seniors are Kaden Kendle, Landon Watkins, Grant Dotson, Jackson Wyatt, Quinton Borders, Henley Parker, Caden Bogenpohl, Baden Hackworth, Steven Schneider, Colton Hartle, Dylan Hayman and Clayton Ernst.

On Wednesday afternoon, the group of seniors celebrated their senior day in a big way as they knocked off the Ste. Genevieve Dragons 15-0 in 3 innings.

“It’s always a great thing to win on senior day,” Indians coach Josh Roach said. “Especially with this group because they’ve been playing together since they were seven years old starting in the Tribe organization.”

Roach said the group of seniors gets along really well which translates to success on the field.

“The chemistry they have with each other, it’s really fun to be around,” Roach said. “They’re a great group and they’ve worked extremely hard to get to where they are.”

For senior Baden Hackworth, he moved to Jackson and became a member of the Indians last year and is enjoying his senior year with the Indians.

“It’s fun,” Hackworth said. “Every day we come in and it’s always laughs until we step between the white lines and then it’s game time.”

Henley Parker echoed Hackworth’s sentiments and he feels the group being able to have fun together translates to some of their success on the field.

“We know how each other plays,” Parker said. “With us playing loose like we did today it really helps us. We all just try to play loose and play our game.”

Roach said this specific group of seniors is unique from his perspective.

“I’ve never coached a team that has 12 seniors and they’re all super tight,” Roach said. “They’re just like a big family. They’re like brothers to each other so it’s very unique.”

While the seniors will be graduating after this season, they still have the chance to leave a lasting impact on the program.

“Our goal is to build a championship culture,” Roach said. “These guys are setting the stage for that and setting the standard.”

Parker said the seniors are always making sure they lead by example.

“We try to set a good example,” Parker said. “We try to teach them what we can and when they get their opportunities they do good.”

Hackworth recalls being a freshman and the senior leadership he had and he aims to relish in that role in 2023.

“It’s a little sad,” Hackworth said. “It’s like one chapter of a book is ending and another one is beginning. It’s a little hard to let go but I’m excited for the next one.”

Jackson (6-2) will be back in action at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 1 when the Indians take on Hazelwood West.