with banner 2000 season

By STEVEN G. WATSON

Sports Editor

To say it’s been a banner season for the Charles Henderson baseball team might be jumping the gun, but they have done something no one before them has been able to.

The 2000 edition to CHHS baseball went 24-8 on the regular season and broke the old mark for wins in a season (23) set back in 1985. Not only that, but the Trojans also brought back what used to be a tradition at CHHS – an Area Championship.

Just ask assistant coach Terry Sikes who played for the 1980 and 1981 teams. He will tell you this team is just as special as any that came before it.

"I’ve been telling these boys all along that they could be as good as we were," Sikes said after Thursday’s 11-1 win over Area rival Carroll. "I think they are finally believing it.

"We’ve had some great teams here, but this one is right up there," he continued. "They all have a lot of heart and character. This is a lot of pride for me to be here and be a part of this."

As a member of the 1980 team, Sikes and the Trojans went undefeated, 20-0 until they reached the State finals. There they lost their only two games of the season and finished second in the state.

Now, the coach is living through this year’s team and has enjoyed the ride so far.

"Winning the Area and setting the record for most wins is an unbelievable feeling for me," Sikes said. "I’d like to thank coach Garrett for giving me the opportunity to even be a part of this team."

As for the playoffs coming back to Troy, well, Sikes feels that’s just old hat. The old ghosts seem to be rising and the spirit of Trojan baseball is back as real as it ever was.

"This is where the playoffs need to come through anyway," he said. "Used to they all had to come through Troy to go anywhere and now it’s like that again."