No team sport was affected by last year’s COVID shutdown more than baseball, which didn’t even get a chance to start district. 

That disappointing ending has given this year’s seniors at Rider a sense of urgency and excitement as they begin the 2021 season Thursday. The Rider Chronicle spoke with this year’s five seniors — Devin Murray, Ethan Eskew, Ranse Radtke, Maison Greer and Brennan Campbell — to see how they feel about the upcoming season. 

How do you feel about the new district?

Murray: I feel like it’s easier this year. It’ll take more work but I feel like we can do it.

Eskew: I don’t feel like it’s tougher, but I feel like we have more competition.

Radtke: Honestly, I think it’s good for us. We have tougher opponents than we did last year.

Greer: I feel like it’s different. We have better teams to compete with in a way.

Campbell: It’s gonna be a new challenge.

How do you feel this season is important, regarding last season getting cut short?

Murray: I feel like this season we have to work harder because we didn’t have as much work last year. So it’s definitely gonna be harder but it’s worth it.

Eskew: I feel like recruitment wise it’s very important because we didn’t have a usual four years like most senior wise. So recruitment wise, it’s big and then just senior year.

Radtke: I think it’s really important just because we will actually be able to play and not just have 10 or 13 games and then be done.

Greer: I feel like this season will (reflect) how last season was going to be. It will be a good idea of how it would’ve been.

Campbell: It’s something we want to prove to other people that we are going to come back and be better.

Do you think the season will proceed all the way?

Murray: Yes.

Eskew: I expect it to, especially since basketball is finishing, football and volleyball finished and every sport has finished so I expect to finish.

Radtke: I hope it does, I think it will.

Greer: I hope we get to play all the way through. I think if everyone follows the right protocols that we will.

Campbell: I hope, it better

Are you playing college baseball? If so, where and how are you feeling about that?

Murray: I don’t know yet, it depends on the season and if I get offers or not.

Eskew: The plan is to play college baseball. I don’t know where yet, but I am ready.

Radtke: Yes, I am. I have not decided yet but I will be deciding shortly.

Greer: I don’t plan on it, but if the opportunity were to come up I would take it.

Campbell: Yes, I’m playing at Seminole State College. It’s gonna be difficult to change from high school to college.

What’s your favorite memory?

Murray: Staying at the hotels.

Eskew: The fun we have as a team.

Radtke: Showing up everyday and not just working but having fun.

Greer: The hotel room last year.

Campbell: For sure bus rides and hotel rooms.

From snow to mud! It's good to have a place to go! Grateful for those who helped build this! pic.twitter.com/33AKtUx7zx

— ROHO Baseball (@ROHO_Baseball) February 23, 2021

What’s your message to the following classes?

Murray: Don’t take it for granted.

Eskew: Be ready to work.

Radtke: Work and have fun. Enjoy it while you can.

Greer: Work hard because you don’t know when it’s going to end.

Campbell: Time really does fly, I’m not even gonna cap.

Iowa Park/Wichita Falls Tournament 

Thursday 

Rider vs. Krum, 10 a.m. in Iowa Park 

Rider vs. Stephenville, 3 p.m. in Iowa Park 

Friday 

Rider vs. Abilene Wylie, 11 a.m. at Hoskins 

Rider at Iowa Park, 3 p.m. 

Saturday 

Rider vs. Amarillo Tascosa, 11 a.m. in Iowa Park