Published: May 18, 2008 01:13 am            

Williams overtakes Wadley for school record in batting

By Mark Rountree

Sports Editor



Mike Williams made a big impression in his first baseball season at Northern Oklahoma College Enid.

Williams, a redshirt freshman, set two school batting records. He batted .422 to overtake Brent Wadley (.419) for the single-season record in batting average. Williams also collected 92 hits to set a school record.

Those statistics highlighted an all-around good season for Williams, a Wichita, Kan., native who came to NOC Enid after one year at Garden City (Kan.) Junior College. Williams also led the team with 58 runs scored, clobbered eight home runs and knocked in 45 runs. Williams also played a very solid third base.

“Those records have been around a long time, and they were held by some really good players,’’ said NOC Enid coach Raydon Leaton. “The good thing about Mike is that we get him another year.’’

Freshman shortstop Steven Garrett had 20 doubles to set a school record. Williams finished right behind with 19 doubles.

Garrett finished with a .382 batting average with 40 RBI. He led the team with a .485 on-base percentage. The native of Dewey also turned in several dazzling plays at shortstop.

“We knew we were getting a player with great hands,’’ said Leaton. “What he did at the plate is a credit to how hard he worked in the cage and in the weight room.’’

Sophomore outfielder Chance Tuttle, slowed by a troublesome groin strain all season, rallied to hit .353.

“Chance is just a gamer,’’ said Leaton. “He loves to compete. He’s one of the most solid kids to come through our program.’’

Freshman outfielder Dackry Howard hit .349 with 13 homers and 53 RBI.

“We’re looking for big things from Dac next year,’’ said Leaton.

The Jets also got solid seasons from Corey Creider (.341, 4, 44), Kyle Henry (.330, 8, 36) and Wes Brorsen (.323, 3, 23).

Sophomore right-hander Andrew Ford led the pitching staff with a 7-5 record. Ford struck out 89 batters in 68 innings.

“He was our No. 1 guy and he always drew the tough assignments,’’ said Leaton.

NOC Enid opened the year with a 13-2 record and entered the Bi-State Conference season with a 22-8 record. The Jets had as many as seven freshmen starters in the lineup most of the year and ended their season last weekend with a 37-24 record.

Several sophomores will continue their baseball careers at four-year schools. Tuttle has signed with Central Missouri and Ford has signed with Ouachita Baptist. Outfielder Jeremy Lawson has signed with Northwestern Oklahoma State and pitcher Travis Hulet has signed with Southwestern Oklahoma State. Leaton expects several more players to sign as well.