If you were to give the 2022 Quitman High School baseball team a theme song it would be the Willie Nelson classic “On the Road Again.” It certainly would be fitting. Out of the 27 games played, hardly nary one took place in the friendly confines of the QHS home field and as a testament to the coaching staff, the Wolverines came home victorious more times than not.
Already this year the QHS coaching staff has hit the road again. In this case, though it was for the Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association (LBCA) Convention this past weekend that was highlighted by the 2nd annual LBCA Hall of Fame Banquet and Awards Ceremony. They weren’t just spectators either. They were part of the program as Chris Womack was named the Assistant Coach of the Year for Class B.
“Adding Chris to our staff gave us an opportunity to add someone smarter than me,” deadpanned longtime QHS head coach Joe Lockhart. “That only made us better.”
According to Lockhart, who nominated Womack for the prestigious award, what his trusty sidekick brings is something he is simply not that well versed in which is a great benefit for the team.
“When I played I was slower and more conservative and as result I find myself coaching that way,” explained Lockhart. “Chris played the game fast. He likes to be aggressive and push the envelope. That personality as a coach really helps us in base running and such.”
Womack’s contribution to the team is not only felt through his coaching style but through his dedication and commitment to the team. You see, Womack is not a paid member of the QHS coaching staff. He is a volunteer assistant who comes to practices and games after working all day at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston.
“I don’t know how he does it, but I am really glad that he does,” said Lockhart. “One thing for sure the guys know how dedicated he is to them and that rubs off on making them want to work hard. They love him and trust him and our program has been better off since he joined us.”
To see a recording of Womack receiving the award click here.