In the 31 years the Central Coast Section has awarded
championships for baseball and softball, only once has a school
earned the titles in both sports in the same year.
In the 31 years the Central Coast Section has awarded championships for baseball and softball, only once has a school earned the titles in both sports in the same year.
Today, San Benito will look to double that number.
The Haybalers begin their run at entering the history books when the softball team faces Carlmont at 4:30pm in the Division I championship game at PAL Stadium. If things go as San Benito hopes, the softball team will be accepting its second straight CCS banner shortly before the baseball team takes the field at San Jose Municipal Stadium in the 7pm title game against Valley Christian.
Only the Archbishop Mitty teams of 2005 have earned the dual championships. The ‘Balers are the eighth team to attempt to earn both titles in the same year.
“We’re pretty excited,” San Benito assistant principal Duane Morgan said. “It’s a tribute to what the coaches have done, but also the community.”
In a city such as Hollister – known throughout local sports circles as a town that gives tremendous support to its sports teams – two title games in one day is a dream come true.
“It’s a positive influence on campus,” Morgan said. “We’re very proud and excited and would love to have two section banners to show off.”
The two coaches, softball’s Scott Smith and baseball’s Michael Luna, are no strangers to postseason success.
Smith led the ‘Balers to the CCS title last season, although due to his step-daughter’s wedding in Texas, he was unable to attend the championship game.
“I definitely think it’s going to be a better title game for me,” Smith said. “I swore I’d never have that happen again ever.”
Luna also has a CCS title on his resume, having accomplished the feat in 2000 while coaching at Leigh. With the ‘Balers set to play in the finals for the first time in school history, everything seems to be coming together for the school to capture its first baseball title.
“I really think the team chemistry is coming together,” senior center fielder Kolton Klauer said. “Early on, we weren’t working together but we’re all gelling right now.”
Dean Askanas, who coached the volleyball team to its first CCS title in the fall, was on hand for the softball team’s wild 13-7 semifinal victory Thursday. He hopes to catch both games Saturday and is also caught up in the excitement.
“I think it’s tremendous,” Askanas said. “For the two big major sports to be in the finals is exciting. Both have faced good competition working their way to the finals. I’d say San Benito has had a terrific year.”
While Smith is excited about his team’s chance for a title repeat, he’s almost equally excited for the baseball team and said he certainly plans on going over to Municipal Stadium after the softball game to cheer the ‘Balers on.
“I’d love to see baseball get their first title,” he said. “I hope it happens for them. Luna works so hard; I couldn’t be happier for the program.”
