Starfire senior shining bright

Jessie O’Dell is a man of faith.

Last month, he was nearly prophetic.

O’Dell is the coach of the South Adams High School softball team.

As sports seasons begin, coaches like O’Dell get optimistic. After times of struggle, they wish for a turnaround. Following successful years, these leaders look to sustain it.

Before the season started, O’Dell spoke of goals for his girls.

He wanted them to take the season one game at a time, and not focus too much on the big picture.

Reaching each small goal will help the Starfires accomplish the big ones, he said.

He spoke of the players who were lost — four-year starters Kierstyn Grimm and Madison Morgan. He mentioned those who were returning, including five players — Kayla LeFever, Tori Raugh, Isabella Ramirez, Morgan Alberson and Katelin Augsburger — who all had impressive seasons with a bat.

Then the conversation shifted to Augsburger. The senior began her high school career at South Adams, but transferred to Parkway in Rockford, Ohio, for her sophomore season.

As a junior, Augsburger returned to Berne and was a catalyst as the Starfire softball team garnered a spot in the coaches poll at the tail end of the season. She was a big part as the team won a sectional title, and was single-handedly, both at the plate and from the rubber, the reason why the Starfires won the first girls regional championship in the history of the school.

Her stats tell the story.

She started 23 games in 2016, posting an 18-6 record (the Starfires finished the year 23-7 after a semi-state loss to Madison-Grant). Augsburger struck out 222 batters allowed only 44 walks — nearly six strikeouts per walk. Her ERA was 1.48.