Head Coach Craven
In his first year leading the team, Coach Craven brings dedication, discipline, and a strong vision for the program. Focused on developing his players on and off the field, he’s helping build a foundation for success and a bright future ahead.
Josh Craven has taken the lead role for CCHS Cougar Baseball. “This is year one for me, so I’m getting out here and learning about 30 new guys, and it’s been a true pleasure.” Craven recognizes Coach Jermale Paige for all his work that he put into the team. “He’s [Paige] has given me 30 guys that know how to carry themselves around a baseball field, know how to
respect, the game, and know how to respect their coaches. So, thank you for that, Coach Paige, and I’m ready to carry the torch on from here.”
Craven also touches on the season so far and what lies ahead. “We have started the season4-3. We’ve had some impressive wins, but we’ve also had some pretty bad lows that we’re getting corrected. We’re hoping to have a competitive team this year, about late March, getting ready for our region play with May River, Bishop England, and Hilton Head. We take it one day at a time, 1% better each day. That’s our goal here, and we’ll see what we got at the end of the year.”
Vernon Gilbert, Sports Contributor and Video Producer, also spoke with some of the CCHS Cougar players for their take on the season.
Brinton Jirel #7, Senior, plays Catcher, Pitcher, and Third Base. Jirel is versatile leader who can impact the game behind the plate, on the mound, and at third base. He is a hard-working player with a bright future ahead. When talking about the season Jirel comments, “We got off to an okay start, kind of up and down. We’re looking to polish some things up before we get to region play, but we’re real hopeful, and I think we’re going to have a pretty successful season down the stretch. "I want to give a shout out to my family, my Mom and Dad, my sister, and my beautiful girlfriend Kate Brenton."
Galil Frazier #5, Junior, plays Right-Handed Pitcher and Shortstop. Frazier is a talented two-way player who can control the game on the mound and make big plays in the field. He’s one to watch when he steps on the diamond. Frazier offered up his take on how the Cougars are doing. “We had some up and downs during so far. We started off the season good, but we had some mistakes we were making in the last game. But we’re looking forward to region to get better wins, make it to the playoffs, make a run in the playoffs. I was to give a shout out my Mom, my Dad and the rest of my family, the previous coaches, and the coaches that I have now.”
Michael Witkin #13, Junior plays Left-Handed Pitcher, First Base, and the Outfield. A Southpaw who makes an impact in the Infield and the Outfield so keep an eye on him. Witkin shared his thoughts on the season too. “We’ve had a few good wins this year. We had some stuff we need to work on too. Overall, we’re trying to build towards a successful, reaching
season. I would like to give a shout out to all my former coaches.
