At the beginning of each of the last couple of seasons, there has been a new face in the Pike County High softball dugout managing the team.

While the 2011 season won’t be any different, the Bulldog faithful are hoping the newest skipper will be a face that they come to recognize for years to come.

Earlier this week, former Geneva County softball head coach Michael Stephens was announced as the new PCHS head coach, and that is a position he said he wants to be a part of for along time.

“This is a program that is in need of stability,” Stephen said.

“From what I understand, there have been a lot of coaches to come and go here, and that is similar to the situation I had at Geneva County when I first got there.

“I am excited about this opportunity and will do my best to get the program back on its feet,” the coach added.

After two years with Geneva, Stephens said he was ready to make the next move.

“Geneva County was my first head coaching job, and I will always be grateful for that opportunity.

“But I am looking forward to coming to Brundidge and getting the ball rolling at Pike County,” he said.

While Stephens said he believes stability is the most important thing in rebuilding the program, there were also several other aspects that would be key in helping softball at PCHS.

“We got to get the girls excited about playing,” he said.

“And we got to get the community excited about the team.”

“If we can get some excitement for the team, there is going to be a different mentality about what to expect.”

Due to high school rules, there is not too much Stephens can do with his new team during the remainder of the summer, but that still won’t stop him from meeting with the players and talking about the upcoming season.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the team and talking to them about softball,” he said.

“A big part of the changing things around will begin in the offseason, with the girls doing different drills to get ready.”

There will be one thing the new coach wants his team to focus on though, both in the offseason and during the season – the fundamentals.

“If we do the small things right, like bunting, base running, fielding, we will be successful,” he said.

“And I am a big believer in that.”

“The fundamentals are a very important part of the game and that’s what we are going to start on.

Along with coaching the softball team, Stephens will also be an assistant coach for the JV football team.