Softball program gains new coaches
From our weekly issue dated February 11, 2009
(From left) Ken Reinhart, Kenny Hix and Jason Torrance. (Photo by Michelle Binker, Illinois Valley News)
Even though he’s been around it his whole life, new Illinois Valley High School girls varsity softball coach Kenny Hix just can’t get enough of the sport.
Hix, a Kerby resident who works as the advertising representative for the Illinois Valley News, said that he was offered the coaching position by IVHS Athletic Director Mark Higgins in January.
At the age of 5, Hix began playing baseball. He joined Little League shortly thereafter, and played first and third base for the Chino High School squad from 1975 to 1977.
But Hix developed a love for softball.
“As soon as I picked up the game of fast pitch, I haven’t played baseball since,” Hix said. “I’ve been playing a girls’ game for 25 years.”
Hix brings with him a variety of experience with Babe Ruth and Pony League events, and Grants Pass Little League. Plus, he has served as director for the men’s fast pitch Boatnik tournament, as pitching coach for Mock Ford’s men’s fast pitch team, and as president of the Grants Pass Men’s Fast Pitch Association.
More recently, Hix was assistant coach for Hidden Valley High School’s varsity girls’ softball team for three years. The team underwent a remarkable transition during that time, Hix said.
“We had to build from the ground floor,” he said.
Hix said that he hopes to duplicate that success at IVHS by focusing on the fundamentals and working with I.V. Little League to develop good program continuity quite early among the area’s young players.
Teams from IVHS used to make appearances in the state playoffs, Hix said, “but we’ve gotten away from it.” As such, he is looking to establish a long-term tradition of excellence.
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Hix won’t be alone in his efforts though. Kenny Reinhart, owner of Valley Muffler in Cave Junction, will serve as the pitching coach. He brings with him 20 years of fast pitch experience. Jason Torrance will be the squad’s assistant head coach. He plays third base for the Mock Ford team.
One aspect Hix finds particularly encouraging is the amount of interest in the softball program. He said that at the end of last season, the IVHS varsity girls’ softball team had eight players and a scorekeeper.
More than 30 girls have signed up for the program this year, Hix said, which has led to formation of a junior varsity team.
Hix will serve as the JV program director, but added that he still is looking for coaches to help at that level. Aside from that, Hix said that he would appreciate whatever support he can obtain from the community.
“There are things we are desperately in need of,” he said.
The bats at IVHS are old and outdated, he said, and need to be replaced. Larry Cook, father of American Idol star Kristi Lee, recently donated six batting helmets to the IVHS squad.
Hix said that the team’s first practice is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 23. For more information on IVHS softball or to help, phone Hix at 659-2009 or IVHS at 592-2116.
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