By Greg James |   [email protected]

The rise of West Jordan High School baseball continues this season under a  new head coach. The Jaguars have taken steps to help their team regain the success of years past.

Former head coach David English stepped down following last season and turned the reins over to his former assistant Brady Bartolomew. The Jaguars had hoped to clinch the team’s second straight state playoff appearance, but losses to Bingham in the final week of the season denied the team of the opportunity.

“We feel good about our season we had a rough start, but have come on really strong here at the end. It certainly has kept our playoff hopes alive. We have started building a foundation and have a group of younger players that have built expectations of what we need,” Bartolomew said.

Four straight wins, beginning April 22, by the Jaguars helped them hold on to a hope of a playoff appearance. 

Senior Jacob Stauffer held Jordan to one hit and out dueled Jordan’s much heralded Drew Lisk in the team’s initial win. The final four victories in the season high win streak meant more to the players and coaches, three straight against Copper Hills

“It is always big for us to play well against our rival from the city (Copper Hills),” Bartolomew said.

The Jaguars held off Copper Hills 2-1 in the series opener. Junior Dylan Krans held them to five hits in the victory.

In the middle game the Jaguars rallied to score two runs in the bottom of the 13th inning for the victory. Krans homered and Garret McClellan notched the victory. In the final of the three game series the Jaguars scored four runs and held off a late rally for a 4-3 victory.

“Our seniors and juniors have shown good leadership. They really started to play well together and are figuring things out. We have really structured the program. They are playing loose and good things are happening on our team,” Bartolomew said.

Bartolomew said lead-off hitter Daulton Kvenvoldal finds a way to get on base.

“He (Kvenvold) has been huge for us as a table setter. Dylan (Krans) has such a competitive attitude. He is a gamer and is one of those kids that can carry a team,” Bartolomew said.

The Jaguar pitching staff has been anchored by Krans and Stauffer; Brian Banks has become a consistent third starter. 

Last season’s playoff appearance was the Jaguars first in eight years. They went 1-2 defeating Viewmont and losing the Cottonwood and Taylorsville.

“These are fun energetic kids. They have brought a positive atmosphere to our team,” Bartolomew said.

The Jaguars finished in fifth place in Region 3 with a 7-11 win-loss record.