| All Region 18 teammate, Austin Preston takes his crack at bat during a region game earlier this year. |
Baseball is a sport that is typically played during the spring at most high schools in Utah. For the smaller schools however, baseball is a sport that attracts an entire community to the ball fields during the fall.
Because East Carbon High does not have a football team, baseball is the sport of choice during the fall. And the community couldn’t be any happier.
This year’s Viking team stepped up to the plate with an arsenal of talent. The team was loaded with experienced players and the determination and enthusiasm was defenitely in the corner of the Vikings.
As the season progressed, the Vikings continued to win ball games. By the end of the season, the Vikings found themselves with a 9-1 Region 18 record and an overall record of 16-3.
The incredible play displayed by this year’s Viking team earned them a spot at the state finals. Unfortunately, the East Carbon athletes were elliminated by Wayne at the state tourney. The Vikings did however, take home third place honors in the state finals.
Although the season is now over, the memories live on for the Vikings. Even after the season is complete, the team continues to earn honors for their successful season.
Recently, the all region team was announced for the fall baseball schools. East Carbon is represented quite well with six athletes lining the Region 18 roster.
Tony McFarland was named with the top honor as most valuable player in Region 18. Although it is McFarland’s final year at East Carbon, this will be a season that will not be forgotten.
McFarland was the star pitcher for the Vikings this season. The determination which McFarland displays while playing is beyond compare. He is dedicated to the sport and anticipates moving on to play baseball after high school.
For McFarland, the end of the season was quite disappointing. After three years with the Vikings, McFarland felt that his final season would be the big one.
In a sense, it was. After all, McFarland played the best baseball he ever has and was after all, named to his third all-region team.
Also named to the all region team was Andy Farlaino. This year, Farlaino manned both the pitchers mound and the infield. He was selected to the all region team however, for his pitching talent and is included on the second team roster.
All region first team catcher is Samson Leonard. In his second season with the Vikings, the high school junior played with intensity and made several big plays for the Vikes. East Carbon looks forward to his return next season.
The Vikings were represented quite well on the all region team at the infield position. Austin Preston and DJ Huitt were each named to the prestigious team for their outstanding performance this year.
Finally, outfielder Shane Wood was selected to represent East Carbon on the all region team. Wood will return next season as a senior for the Vikings and is bound to make news once again.
Although the season ended with disappointment, for many of the East Carbon athletes, the off season has turned into a time filled with glory and honor.