Indiana Deaf

From: Indianapolis Star, United States - Jun 7, 2006

Indiana Deaf coach Dan Kelly watched his team improve throughout the season but was concerned it would be lost in the team's 1-10 record. Still, a chance encounter revealed he wasn't the only one who noticed the changes.

"I met a mother (at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway) whose son plays for the Bishop Chatard junior varsity team and she was kind enough to share with me that she could tell a big difference with our boys when we played them the first game and the second time," Kelly said in an email. "Even though the score did not show much, she could tell the boys were more confident the second time."

Among the top performers this season were Jose Mast (a team-leading .350 average), Mark Alcozer (.316), Gabriel Paulone and Ryan Hawkins (.333).

It was the first varsity baseball team at Indiana Deaf in 12 years and Kelly had to groom several players who hadn't played the sport before.

"I am looking forward to next year," Kelly said. "I truly believe with another year of experience the boys will do much better."

Call Star reporter Nat Newell at (317) 444-2610.

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