Submitted

The Trenton R-9 spring sports coaches presented the program at the Thursday, March 26, meeting of the Trenton Rotary Club. Daniel Gott presided at the meeting. Dan Wilford gave the prayer, Brian Upton served as sergeant at arms, and Steve Taylor was program chairman.

Gott, who also is superintendent of schools for the R-9 School District, introduced the coaches, who gave brief updates about their teams. Athletic Director Chris Wever spoke about high school baseball and middle school sports, noting that both groups were off to a good start. There are 60 boys and girls out for middle school track, while the baseball team has 31 players on its roster. The middle school track team was to have its first meet on March 31. As of March 26, the baseball team was 3-2. David Shockley is the baseball head coach.

Tennis coach David Sager said he has 11 boys out, including three seniors. The team lost its first two matches against Higginsville and Cameron but showed improvement. He said the team works hard and is gaining valuable experience by playing strong teams.

THS girls track coach Chris Parks said he has 20 girls out, including six seniors. The team has moved down a class to Class 2 this year. The first meet was held on March 24, with Trenton placing second. He said there is a lot of talent on the team and expects a good year. Several members already have posted times and field marks that place them in the top 10 among all Class 2 athletes in Missouri.

Boys track coach Luke Lewis said 29 boys are out this year, including three seniors. While the team is young, they are working hard, and he expects them to have a good season. Assisting both teams this year is teacher Emily Lasley, who ran track at Iowa State University. Tad Trombley and Amos Dickson also are assisting the teams this year.

Boys golf coach Travis Mullenix said 10 boys are out for the team this year, allowing him to field both varsity and junior varsity squads. There are three seniors on the team, which placed fifth out of 11 teams in its first meet of the year. Drake Weaver was the overall individual winner.

During the business meeting, an update was given on the club’s Shoes for Orphan Souls effort. New shoes and monetary donations still are being collected for the project. Jeff Crowley reminded the club that the annual Rotary Fish Fry will be held Sept. 12 at the Rock Barn. This is the annual fundraiser for the club’s Rotary Foundation donation.

Gary Dolan will be the program chairman for the April 2 meeting. The program will be presented by a South African woman who is a friend of fellow Rotarian Martha Goedert and is pursuing her studies in the United States.