Our guest this week in our 4 Questions segment is Lowndes High softball coach Stewart Thomas, who has been the leader of the Vikettes since 2012. Year in and year out his teams are the region championship race and GHSA Class 7A state playoffs. This season was no different, as Thomas led the Vikettes to the #2 seed in Region 1-7A, followed by a trip to the Super Regionals at Parkview. To find out how they did and look back at some of the more memorable moments in his time with Lowndes softball, let’s hear from Coach Thomas.
Q. Coach Thomas, I want to start by saying congratulations on another solid season, as you and your Lowndes High softball team finished 20-9-1 overall and 9-2 in the region. You lost the first game to Carrollton, but came back strong to reach the Super Regional final against Parkview. Can you bring us up to speed from there?
A. Our girls have been working since June for a shot at playing in Columbus. Unfortunately we came up a little short, but I am so proud of the fight and resiliency they showed throughout the tournament. They could have very easily quit after losing game one, but fought back to give a shot on the last day. Parkview has a very good team and were very good hosts. I wish them all the best next week.
Q. How did you become involved in coaching girls fastpitch softball?
A. I first started coaching baseball at McEachern High School and my head baseball coach, David Joiner, told me I should try coaching softball. I reluctantly tried and 15 years later I couldn’t see myself coaching anything else. It was one of the best pieces of advice I’ve been given.
Q. Let’s talk about your time at Lowndes. What are some of your fondest memories as coach of the Vikettes?
A. Fondest memory at Lowndes? I wish I could just give you one. I don’t think you have enough room for them all. Lowndes is a special place. Young players can’t wait to play for the Vikings and old players never leave. They say tradition never graduates, and at Lowndes it is truly the case.
I have had the privilege of coaching some great players, some of whom are still playing in college. But I believe Lowndes softball is bigger than softball, and bigger than me. Coming through our program prepares you for life after high school as much as anything I can think of. It’s special.
Q. So, lets talk about the makeup of the team moving forward. How many of the starters and major contributors from this year’s team will be back next season?
A. I am excited about the future of the program. We have some key components returning and some young players who will contribute very quickly. Camden Anders logged most of our innings in the circle and did a fabulous job. Dallas Brooks and Channing Smith are also returning juniors who will play a huge part in our success next season. They got a taste of it this year, but fell short. They will work hard to return to Columbus next season.
