Beckham pushed Eagles harder, helped them reach potential
The Gaston Christian softball season was full of blood, sweat and tears — literally.
Knowing the potential of this year’s bunch, coach Greg Beckham ramped up practice to prepare the girls for a state championship run.
Two players paid the price in the form of lost teeth while fielding ground balls.
“I think all the injuries challenged the kids to pick it up, and we had girls that picked up the pace,” said Beckham, recognized today as The Gazette’s prep softball coach of the year.
Although a couple of players blamed the tooth mishaps on a rough field more than anything else, it still goes to show the intensity of the Eagles’ state championship season.
The players were all smiles in the end as Gaston Christian beat Arendell Parrott Academy 6-2 in the NCISAA 2A state championship game.
Along the way, Gaston Christian knocked off three-time defending state champion Northside Christian in the state final four, avenging two losses from earlier in the season. But it was in the second playoff game that Beckham said the players began to harvest the fruits of their labor. The Eagles trailed Metrolina Christian 6-1 before rallying for a 7-6 victory in 10 innings.
“I think it all came to a head there and they knew their tough season paid off,” he said.
The next day, Gaston Christian broke through for the coveted state championship trophy. The Eagles had come so close the previous four years: third in 2009, runner-up in 2008, third in 2007 and fourth in 2006.
That’s why Beckham knew he could push the girls beyond their comfort zone. The team took about 200 ground balls every practice, and every infielder had to practice at every infield position.
“We made it somewhat like a college practice,” Beckham said.
Beckham credited assistant coaches Greg Christopher and Barry Causby, not to mention immense talent on the roster.
Caitlin Campbell, a first-team All-Gazette selection, pitched every game in the state tournament, finishing the season with a 1.33 ERA and 181 strikeouts in 126 innings. Campbell, a junior who Beckham considers a Division I prospect, also batted .606 with four home runs.
“She’s changed our entire program,” Beckham said.
Senior shortstop Kelsey Burgess joined Campbell on the All-Gazette first team after batting .411 and signing with North Greenville. Sophomore first baseman Shelbie Hall batted .500 and freshman catcher Hyatt Causby batted .385 as two of Beckham’s other standouts.
“He pushed us in practice and in games,” Burgess said of her coach. “He expects a lot out of us but he also cares about us.”
You can reach Phillip Gardner at 704-869-1843.
