Gar-Pal Vikings start 3-1

The Gar-Pal baseball season is underway, dodging rainouts with the return of longtime coach Jim Stewart.

Coaching the Vikings from 1988 until 2007, Stewart returns to the helm this spring.

On the roster for the 3-1 team are four seniors, four juniors, a sophomore and four freshman.

"It’s been a lot of fun," said Stewart. "It’s a great group of kids."

The team opened the season with a doubleheader split at Liberty Christian followed by a two-game sweep of the Asotin J.V., 8-4 and 6-1. A rainout with Potlatch followed, along with some scheduling conflicts.

The Vikings are set to play again Saturday in a doubleheader against Colton at 11 a.m. in Garfield.

Leading Gar-Pal at the plate so far this season are Cole Sanderson, Wyatt Griner and Evan Weagraff.

The freshman Weagraff also plays centerfield and pitches.

"He’s not like most freshmen," said Stewart.

Also appearing on the mound are junior Wyatt Griner, senior Hunter Woltering and junior Kaleb Schaub.

At catcher, in a new position for him, is senior Gabe Cocking. Griner also catches.

Further action is weather permitting.

"We’re excited for when we do get to play on a consistent basis," said Stewart.