Weathers Named All-Conference Juniors Head Coach of the Year

Addison Weathers made a big impression in Western Nebraska American Legion baseball in his first year at the helm of the Sidney Post 17 teams. He was named All-Conference Head Coach of the Year for the Junior team after compiling a 21-17-1 record, according to Gamechanger. Weathers took over Post 17 teams with plenty of talent but seemed to lack focus over the past few seasons. His work was especially noted in the junior squad, which quickly became a panhandle team that other teams didn't want to play.

Jumping out to a 6-and-2 record in May, the Juniors kept cruising until they hit a rough patch in the middle of June. The boys kept battling and started evening out the losses with just as many wins. Outstanding play by Rhyder Bayne, Rhys Dorcey, and Conner Schumacher highlighted the push through the end of the season, which was highlighted with a tournament win against Gothenburg. The Sidney squad's offense was consistently effective, with a great balance between power and on-base percentage. A heartbreaking final-inning loss to Ogallala ended the Juniors season, but in no way tarnished the improvement and great play of the Junior team.

Weathers has brought great focus to the Post 17 teams, and the improvements in fundamentals are obvious. The bad habits Sidney teams have had in previous years of throwing the ball around and committing basic errors seemed to vanish quickly as the season started. More effective pitching, with better decisions made on the mound, was apparent throughout the season. Look for Sidney to become a dominant squad, in both their Junior and Senior teams, as Weathers continues to coach these young men in solid fundamentals and smart play.