Coach Shockley's "Shout Out"

Tuesday's twinbill washed out

Howard Payne doubleheader moved to Wednesday

WAXAHACHIE, Texas -- The men’s baseball team at Southwestern Assemblies of God University, after a week off during Spring Break, returns to action this week with four games in four days. Today's doubleheader at Howard Payne University (8-12) has been rained-out.

The games will be made-up on Wednesday, March 21, in Brownwood. The first game at Don Shepard Park will begin at 2:00pm. The field was covered by tarps during the heavy rains, leaving it playable.

SAGU's scheduled home game on Wednesday against Manhattan Christian College (Kan) was cancelled due to field conditions. The solo game against the Crusaders (5-21) will not be made-up.

According to first year head coach Jonathan Shockley, the key to the schedule these days is summed up in two words; weather permitting.

The Lions, 10-15 overall, are looking to get untracked in the Red River Athletic Conference. With half of the 24 league games already completed, they seek to build momentum down the stretch.

Climbing up in such a tough conference is a chore, as SAGU has gone 6-47 against RRAC foes over the past three seasons.

Under Shockley, the club is laying its foundation on pitching and defense this season.

This weekend is an important 3-game series against Bacone College (Okla). The Warriors are 17-11 overall and 7-5 in RRAC games.

Coach Shockley managed to squeeze in a Monday afternoon practice before approaching storms entered the Metroplex. He then sat down for a Q & A session, another installment of the "Shockley Shoutout."

Q1)  The team has been off for 10 days. How has a break from the action benefitted the Lions?
JS:  It has benefited us in several ways. We have had time to let our arms rest, our minds rest and has allowed us to refocus on playing the game we love playing.

Q2)  You’ll be facing Howard Payne on Tuesday. They are a team you split with a few weeks ago. What were their strengths when they came to Waxahachie?
JS:  HP hit the ball well and fought every inning of both games. They capitalized on a couple of errors that we made.

Q3)  As for starters, who gets the nod on the hill? Do you plan to throw several hurlers in each game?
JS:  Nic Morgan will go in Game One. In Game Two, Zach Worrell will get his first collegiate start. I will probably end up throwing ‘Johnny Bullpen’ during both games.

Q4) Any changes in the line-up?
JS: Yes, Worrell has been cleared to play. He will get two starts; in rightfield and another on the mound. We look to see good things from this young man.

Q5) The team has gone through a rough few weeks. What do you hope to see from them now that they've played several of the RRAC's power teams?
JS: I want to see the team go out and fight every inning without backing down at any point in the game. We want our guys enjoying this game they play while playing to their abilities.

Q6) What's the prognosis on Mario Mendoza (arm injury)? Do you expect a return to the mound for him? If so, when and in what role?
JS: Mario has been playing catch and is slowly working back into short (relief) bullpens. We expect him to make a return, hopefully by the end of the month or the start of April. If able, he will get a starting role again but will be on a short leash.

Contact: Mark “Link” Warde, Sports Information Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 469-658-2847.