Bryon Cox Post 72 will open a much-anticipated season today at North Montgomery High School. A roster of 18 players, representing 14 schools, is ready to take on a demanding schedule.
Returning to coach the team is Kyle Proctor. He has worked endlessly putting together a roster that will compete with the state’s best teams.
“I scouted 91 players at 37 games this spring,” Proctor said. “We did not get everyone I hoped for but part of that is players being injured or deciding to not play this summer.”
Local players include: Cale Chadd of Southmont, Aiden Ambriz-Cruz of North Montgomery and Matt Miller and Jude Coursey, both from Crawfordsville.
After 50 years Lafayette Post 11 will not field a team this season, opening the door to Tippecanoe County players. Proctor was able to land Mavericks Riley Sands, who now plays for Indiana Wesleyan, and Aiden Riser. Camden Proctor from West Lafayette and DJ Gilkey of Lafayette Central Catholic also will join the club.
The Sagamore Athletic Conference also will be represented by Jaden McGinley of Tri-West and Jackson Warner of Danville.
Other players are Dylan Ford of Benton Central/Ancilla College, Treyton Clark of Greencastle, Brody Layton of Frontier, Drake Hoffa of Cloverdale, Calos Lopez of Frankfort/Indiana Tech, Charlie Belcher of Riverton Parke, Landon Duncan of Cloverdale and Joseph Schroeder of Frontier.
Today’s opening ceremonies will feature Byron Cox Post 72 3rd Vice Commander and Vice Commander of the Honor Guard, who also is the Post 71 liaison to the team. He will throw out the first pitch.
The local Honor Guard will present the colors and local veteran Kevin Baker will sing the National Anthem. Proctor is working on finalizing a fly-over by a Blackhawk helicopter.
Post 72 was chosen as the host for the American Legion State Championship schedule for July 24-29. The local team gets an automatic bid to the tournament which will be played at Crawfordsville High School.
This year Post 72 games will be broadcast on Thunder 103.9. The radio station is still looking for more sponsors for the broadcasts.
Assistant coaches for Post 72 are Brad Wininger, Southmont; John Bromberk, Western Boone/Marian University; Jonathon Moore, Lebanon/Indiana Wesleyan; and Jarrod Kirsch, North Montgomery/Wabash College.
Post 72 games are free to the public. Kona Ice will provide refreshments at today’s home opener.
