Work Day: Saturday May 17

The Booster Club set this Saturday (May 17th) as a work day to clean the stadium grounds in anticipation of next week's graduation ceremony. We will begin at 8:00 am.  We need to weed-eat around the fence and under the bleachers. We also need to cut  the hill on the practice field and on the Wal-Mart sides of the stadium.

PLAS Names Allen Ponder as New Head Baseball Coach

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Pike Liberal Arts School Names Allen Ponder 

As New Head Baseball Coach 

TROY – Pike Liberal Arts is very proud to announce the hiring of Coach Allen Ponder as its new head baseball coach, taking over for the retiring, Butch Austin who leaves Pike after a twenty year career in which he won 422 games and the 2012 state championship. 

Upon the announcement of his hiring, Coach Ponder said, "It is such an honor to take over a program with such great tradition. The fact that Pike is in the mix for a state title year in and year out is a testament to the outstanding job that Coach Butch Austin has done over the years. It will be impossible to fill his shoes, but I look forward to the opportunity to coach the same great group of young men that had the privilege of learning from a legend. We will work hard to ensure that the success of Pike's baseball program continues.” 

Coach Ponder has been employed by The Lakeside School since 2012. Coach Ponder is a graduate of Lee Scott Academy in Auburn. While at LSA, Coach Ponder was named Mr. Baseball in 2002 by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Alabama. Coach Ponder played baseball at The University of Alabama and AUM where he was a pitcher and first baseman. Following his colligate career, he played professional baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

In addition to serving as head baseball coach, Coach Ponder will serve as head strength and conditioning coach, assist with the junior varsity baseball team, serve on the varsity football staff and assist with the school’s basketball program. Athletics Director, Gene Allen says, “We are proud to have Coach Ponder join our staff. He will be a big asset to the strength and conditioning of all of our student athletes and has a lot of baseball knowledge, taking over for a legend.” Becky Baggett, newly named headmaster, added “As Pike begins a new era in baseball we are very fortunate that Allen Ponder, a very successful and energetic coach has joined our team. I look forward to working with Coach Ponder and anticipate great things to continue in our baseball program and beyond.” 

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Spring Sports Banquet: Monday May 12- 6:00 PM

The spring sports banquet is set for Monday, May 12, 2014 at 6:00 pm in the school's cafeteria. This banquet will honor all student athletes that participated in all JV and Varsity sports during the winter and spring sport seasons. 

Students Attending Baseball State Championship Wednesday

The Pike Liberal Arts Baseball team will play Glenwood at 10 am on Wednesday, May 7, for the state championship.  Students who wish to attend the game must bring a note on Tuesday, May 6, to the school office.  Those going to the game will not have to attend school.  All students will check in with Mrs. Sikes at the game.  The game will be played at Paterson Field on Madison Avenue across from Cramton Bowl. We would love to see students at the game supporting our Patriots! Go PIKE!