Jefferson boys set their sights on state title repeat

By Phil Cobb | August 20, 2015 |

SUBMITTED PHOTO
The 2015 Jefferson boys’ softball roster includes: front row, from left: Creed Pulley, Dakota Coffman, Spencer McQueen, Cameron Watson. Second: Koby Stoll, Clayton Wilmes, Nathan Jermain, Dakota Bailey, Colby Holtman. Back: Michael Burch, Ben Jermain, Corby Walker, Bryce Deen, Jason Sullivan.

The Jefferson boys’ softball team’s state championship victory last fall marked the 10th state title in school history and first title since 2011.

Jefferson finished 11-2 last year with its two losses coming against North Harrison and state runner-up Mercer. But, ninth-year head coach Tyler Pedersen’s team is poised for another deep run this season.

The team has five seniors on this year’s Eagles: Ben Jermain, Bryce Dean, Corby Walker, Jason Sullivan and Creed Pulley. Pedersen said the five of them will play huge roles this season.

“They will have an impact on both sides of the ball,” Pedersen said. “They will all play key defensive positions and should find themselves in the heart of our lineup.”

Along with the senior leadership, the Eagles will have three more boys returning with experience in juniors Dakota Bliley and Michael Burch, as well as sophomore Clayton Wilmes.

Pedersen added that Burch had a very solid season last year for the team playing second base.

With eight players having experience on a defending championship team, there’s plenty of leadership to go around to help the six incoming freshmen, Dakota Coffman, Colby Holtman, Nate Jermain, Spencer McQueen, Kolby Stoll and Cameron Watson.

Pedersen will have some assistance this year on the bench, as two-time All-State softball player and 2011 Jefferson High School graduate Jacob Stoll takes a spot on the team as an assistant coach.

While the pressure of being the defending state champions can take its toll on a team, Pedersen wants his team to have fun, improve every day and play with confidence.

“We return a large core of players who know how to work hard yet have at the same time,” Pedersen said. “This mentality makes practice and games very enjoyable. One of our goals will be to stay relaxed and play ball. We have a lot of experienced players returning and will have high expectations for ourselves. We need to stay relaxed and let our experience and work ethic help in those times of adversity.”

Jefferson opens up its season Sept. 1 against the 2013 state champion Winston Red Birds.