By BUTCH HARMON
When it comes to having excellent softball and baseball teams, Bay City Western has set the standard this season.
Heading into the final week of the regular season, the two teams are a combined 57-3 this spring. The softball team is 27-1, and the baseball team has a 30-2 record.
While the two teams have had nearly perfect regular seasons, it’s what happens in June that counts the most.
“Both teams have been doing real well in the regular season,” Western softball coach Rick Garlinghouse said, “but the big thing is how you do in the state tournament. The trademark of how well you do is in the postseason. You could have a great record, but if you don’t win districts or have a big postseason run, you will just be remembered for having a good regular season.”
Both programs have set the bar high and are proud of each other’s accomplishments.
“The softball team has had an incredible year,” Western baseball coach Tim McDonald said. “They have been dominant. They don’t just beat teams, they dominate them. Both of our teams won the conference last year, and we have both won conference again this year. We are happy for each other and hoping that both of us have deep runs in the state tournament.”
The two teams also cheer each other on and enjoy seeing the other experience success. “The boys and girls really support each other,” Garlinghouse said. “There is not any competition between the two at all. They root for each other and hope that they both do well.”