TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — For the past two seasons, the Madison County baseball team has fallen short of a Class 1A State title, settling for State Runner-up.
"That's kind of been their focus ever since we got back last year," said Cowboy head coach Jason Fletcher. "This group right here, they want it."
For Cowboy seniors Dilan Lawson and Dawson Rutherford, both are already owners of gold medals. Lawson won a State Championship in basketball this year, while Rutherford is a two time State Champ in football - but baseball is the sport they want it in most.
"Extremely bad. We came close the past two years, and last year really hurt us," remembered Rutherford. "It really hurt deeply in me but I'm determined to get it this year."
"We come out here and we do what we do everyday," added Lawson. "We make sue we stay on our grind. This year I think we're going to do it."
For this senior duo, it helps when you can push each other. Rutherford's leading the team in batting average, and Lawson's right behind him. Both are dual-enrolled, with Lawson boasting a 4.13 GPA, while Rutherford has a 4.04.
"Me and Dawson grew up together. We've always been fighting for top spot, no matter what it is," laughed Lawson. "He's got .2 ahead of me, let me tighten up a little bit."
"You never take a day off. You're always working," said Rutherford. "You have to push to hit your goals. When you finally meet your goals, you go even farther."
The competitive spirit, that winning mentality is part of being a Cowboy, and a big reason why this program is so successful.
"They come out and they compete against each other every day. They push each other every day, and they push each other to be better down there," said Fletcher, motioning towards the high school. "That's where we've lacked the last couple years. We've gotten there. We just haven't finished. To have that experience in the dugout, that's big time."
Big enough to bring it home in their senior season.
